Standards - Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas

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WIT.3000.002.0108
wrr.30oo.oo2.oio8
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
AS 3959-2009
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Australian Standard®
Standard®
Construction of buildings
buildings in
in bushfire-
bushfire-
prone
prone areas
areas
STAN0ARD
Australia
iiiiiiiiiiiiisilill
WIT.3000.002.0109
This Australian
Standard® was prepared by Committee FP-020, Construction of Buildings in
Bushfire-prone Areas.
Areas. It was approved on
was approved onbehalf
behalf of
of the
the Council
Council of Standards Australia on
Standards Australia
March 2009.
6 March 2009.
This Standard
Standard was
was published on 10 March 2009.
The following are represented on

on Committee
Committee FP-020:
FP-020:
• and Emergency
Australasian Fire and Emergency Service
Service Authorities Council
Council (AFAC)
• Australian Building Codes Board
• Australian Institute of Architects
Australian
• Australian Institute
Australian Institute of
ofBuilding
BuildingSurveyors
Surveyors
• Australian Steel Institute
Australian
• Australian Window
Australian Window Association
Association Inc.
Inc.
• CSIRO
• Engineers Australia
• Association Australia
Fire Protection Association Australia
• Housing Industry Association
• Master Builders Australia
• Plastics
Plastics and
andChemicals
ChemicalsIndustries
Industries Association
Association Incorporated
• Council Australia
Property Council Australia
• Testing Interests
Testing Interests (Australia)
(Australia)
• Australia
Think Brick Australia
• Association of
Timber Preservers Association of Australia
Australia
• Wood
Wood Council Australia
Aknowledgement is made to the New

Aknowledgement New South
South Wales
Wales Rural Fire Service for
Fire Service for their
their
contriibution in developing this Standard.
This Standard
Standard was
was issued
issuedin
indraft
draft form
form for comment as DR 03182 and
and DR
DR 05060.
05060.
Standards Australia wishes to

Standards Australia to acknowledge
acknowledgethe
theparticipation
participation of
of the
the expert
expertindividuals
individuals that
contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation
representation on
on the
the
Committee and through the public
public comment
comment period.
period.
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is important
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includeany
anyamendments
amendments that
that may
may have
have been
been
published since
since the
the Standard was published.
published.
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StandardsAustralia,
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WIT.3000.002.0110
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
Construction of buildings in bushfire-

bushfire-
prone areas
prone
Originated as
Originated asAS
AS3959—1991.
3959-1991.
Second edition 1999.
Reissued incorporating Amendment
Amendment No. 1 (December
(December 2000).
2000).
Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 22 (December
incorporating Amendment (December 2001).
2001).
Third
Third edition
edition 2009.
2009.
COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia
All rights
rights are reserved.
reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied
reproduced or copied in
in any
any form
form or
or by
by
any
any means,
means, electronic
electronic or
ormechanical, including photocopying,
mechanical, including without the
photocopying, without the written
written
permission ofof the publisher.
publisher.
Published by Standards Australia GPO Box 476, Sydney,
Standards Australia Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 9051
9051 88
WIT.3000.002.0111
wrr.30oo.oo2.oiii
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 2
PREFACE
Development
This Standard was prepared by the Standards
Standards Australia Committee
Committee FP-020, Construction of
Buildings in Bushfire-prone
Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas,
Areas,to
tosupersede
supersedeAS
AS3959—1999.
3959-1999.
Changesto
Changes tothis
this Edition
Edition
This Edition incorporates the following
following changes:
changes:
(a) method of determining the Bushfire
The method Bushfire Attack
Attack Level
Level (BAL)
(BAL) for
for a site (Section 2) has
been revised
been revised and
and now
now comprises
comprisessixsix categories,
categories,namely
namelyBAL—LOW,
BAL-LOW, BAL—12.5,
BAL-12.5,
BAL-19, BAL-29,
BAL—19, BAL—29,BAL-40
BAL—40and andBAL-FZ.
BAL—FZ.These Thesecategories
categories are
are based
based on heat
heat
flux
flux exposure thresholds (see
(see Table
Table 3.1).
3.1).
(b) The methods
The methods forfor determining
determining the
the Bushfire
Bushfire Attack
Attack Level
Level now
now include
include both
both aa step-by-
step-by-
step procedure,
step procedure, including tables that
including tables that list
list climate,
climate, slope
slope ofofground
groundandand'' vegetation
vegetation
variations in States
variations in States and
and Territories
Territories (Section
(Section 2) 2) and aa detailed
detailed calculated
calculated procedure
procedure
contained in
contained in Appendix
Appendix B. The
The slope
slope of
of ground
ground has has also
also been
been clarified
clarified in
in Section 2 and
a description and
and measurement
measurement ofof slope
slope isis included
included inin Clause
Clause 2.2.4.
2.2.4.
(c) The
The construction
construction sections
sections have
have been
been reorganized
reorganized in
in group-specific
group-specific construction
construction
requirements by Bushfire
requirements by Bushfire Attack
Attack Levels (BALs), rather than by building
building component.
component.
There are now seven Sections,
There are Sections, namely Section 33 (General)
namely Section (General) Section
Section44 (BAL—LOW,
(BAL-LOW,
for
for which
which this
this Standard
Standard does
doesnot
notprovide
provideconstruction
constructionrequirements),
requirements), Section
Section 55
(BAL-12.5),
(BAL—12.5), Section
Section 66 (BAL-19),
(BAL—19), Section
(BAL—29), Section
(BAL—40),
and Section
and Section99(BAL—FZ).
(BAL-FZ).
(d) The construction
The requirements in
construction requirements in Sections
Sections33 to to 99 have
have been
been revised
revised to address
address the
the
levels of
levels of exposure
exposure for
for the Bushfire
Bushfire Attack
Attack Levels
Levels (BALs). This Edition
(BALs). This Edition takes
takes into
into
consideration where
consideration where building
building elements
elementsand and materials
materials that
that have
have been
been subjected
subjected to
established test
established test methods,
methods, suchsuch as as AS
AS 1530.4,
1530.4, Methods
Methods for for fire
fire tests
tests on
on building
building
materials, components
materials, structures, Part 4: Fire-resistance
components and structures, Fire-resistance test test of
of elements
elements ofof
covering fire resistance.
construction, covering fire resistance. Standards Standards Australia
Australia technical
technical committee
committee
FP-018, Fire Safety,
FP-018, Fire Safety, has
has developed
developed test methods
methods exclusively
exclusively for for materials
materials and
and
elements
elements of construction
construction in in bushfire-prone
bushfire-prone areas,
areas, namely,
namely, ASAS1530.8.1,
1530.8.1, Tests
Tests on
elementsofof construction
elements constructionfor for buildings
buildings exposed
exposed to simulated
simulated bushftre
bushfire attack,
attack,
8.1: Radiant
Part 8.1: Radiant heat
heat and
and small
small flaming
flaming source, which covers
source, which covers BAL—12.5
BAL-12.5 to to
BAIL-40
BAL—40 and and AS
AS 1530.8.2,
1530.8.2, Tests
Tests onon elements
elementsofofconstruction
constructionfor for buildings exposed
exposed
to simulated
simulated bushftre
bushfire attack, Part 8.2: Large flaming
8.2: Large sources, which
flaming sources, which covers
covers
BAL-FZ.
BAL—FZ.Concessions
Concessionsforfornon-exposed
non-exposed facades
facades are
are included
included in Section 3.
(e) Attached structures,,
Attached such as garages, have been included.
structures, such included.
(f) The aperture
The size of
aperture size of mesh
mesh at 22 mm
mm isis based
based on
on ember.
ember attack; the gaps
attack; the gaps and
and
penetrations sizes at 3 mm are based
penetrations based on radiant heat.
(g) A worked
worked example of bushfire assessment is included inin Appendix
Appendix A and is based
based on
on
the step-by-step method to assist with the requirements set out in Section 2.
Construction in Flame
Flame Zone
Zone
Whilst
Whilst the
the majority
majority ofofthe
theCommittee
Committeesupport
support the
the full
fullStandard,
Standard, unanimity
unanimitywas
was not
notreached
reached
on aspects
aspects related to BAL—FZ Flame Zone. The Committee will be asked
related to BAL-FZ Flame Zone. The Committee will be asked review this to review this
Standard,
Standard,including
including Flame
FlameZoneZoneconstruction,
construction,ininlight
light of
of relevant
relevant outcomes
outcomesofofthe
theVictorian
Victorian
Royal Commission
Commission intointo the
the February
February 2009
2009 bushfires.
bushfires.
IO 11
WIT.3000.002.0112
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33 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
Issues for future editions and amendments

amendments
Several issues were
Several issues were identified by the
identified by the Committee
Committee when
when considering publication of
considering publication of this
edition. (whichwill
edition (which willbe
be reconsidered
reconsideredbybythe
the Committee
Committeefor
forinclusion
inclusionininthe
the next
next edition
edition of
of
this Standard or as amendments to this Standard)
Standard) as
as follows:
follows: .
(i) Royal Commission-Standards Australia, with

Commission—Standards Australia, with input
input from the Committee,
from the will be
Committee, will
making
making a submission
submission to the Royal
Royal Commission,
Commission, which
which is undertaking
undertaking a review
review into
into
the
the bushfires
bushfires experienced
experienced in Victoria
Victoria during
during February
February 2009.
2009. Research
Research from
from the
the
bushfires
bushfires will assist the committee in making improvements to subsequent
improvements to subsequent editions
editions of
of
this Standard.
Standard.
(ii) areas and
Refuges-Refuge areas
Refuges—Refuge and bunkers
bunkers as `high protection areas' will be researched
'high protection researched and
considered as a possible addition to this Standard.
Standard.
(iii) Flame Zone (10 m
Zone (10 in setback)—Currently,
setback)-Currently, where where the
the 10
10 in
m setback
setback distance
distance cannot
cannot be
achieved,
achieved, the performance
performance of the elements of building construction
construction that are less
less than
than
10 in from
10 m from the classified
classified vegetation
vegetation is required
required to
to comply
comply with
with AS
AS 1530.8.2.
1530.8.2. The
The
appropriateness of the test criteria for the risk is
is under
under consideration.
consideration.
(iv) Grassland-The inclusion of
Grassland—The inclusion of unmanaged grassland inin the
unmanaged grassland the vegetation
vegetation types
types and
and
classifications.
(v) Vegetationfuel
Vegetation loads-Currently, there
fuel loads—Currently, thereisisone
onerepresentative
representative value
value only
only for
for fuel
fuel loads
loads
for
for each
each vegetation
vegetation category which may
category which may be conservative
conservative in in some
some areas
areas andand
consideration for multiple vegetation fuel
fuel loads
loads will
will be
be given.
given.
Steel roofs-Tests
(vi) Steel roofs—Teststotodemonstrate
demonstratethe
theperformance
performance of
ofsteel
steel roofs
roofs in
in aa bushfire.
bushfire.
Tiled roofs—The
(vii) Tiled roofs-The effects
effects of wind on tiled roofs
roofs during
during aa bushfire.
bushfire.
Aperture size
(viii) Aperture size of window
window mesh
mesh and perforated sheeting—Ascertain the appropriate
perforated sheeting-Ascertain appropriate
aperture size for window mesh and perforated
aperture perforated sheeting
sheeting used to protect
protect windows
windows and
and
from ember attack.
doors from
Subfloors—Requirements for
(ix) Subfloors-Requirements for the protection of
of subfloor
subfloor spaces
spaces against
against ember
ember attack.
attack.
This Edition provides information
information concerning storage of combustible materials in the
combustible materials
subfloor space.
(x) Doors-The
Doors—Theappropriate
appropriate type
type of
of external
external door
door (solid
(solid core
core or
or glazed)
glazed) for
for the
the varying
varying
levels of bushfire
bushfire attack is to be researched.
(xi) Log construction—The
construction-The application
application of log construction
construction as an exterior building element
element
of construction.
(xii) Straw construction-The application
bale construction—The
Straw bale of straw
application of straw bale construction
construction as an
an exterior
exterior
building element of construction.
construction.
Draught excluders-Gaps
(xiii) Draught between the
excluders—Gaps between the base
base of a door and the floor
floor require a draught
draught
excluder that is
is non-combustible.
non-combustible.
(xiv)
(xiv) Sarking-Consideration
Sarking—Consideration isis to
to be
be given
given to
tothe
theeffectiveness
effectiveness of
of sarking
sarking under
under different
different
roof coverings.
elements—The performance
(xv) Glazed elements-The characteristics of
performance characteristics of glazed
glazed elements
elements at elevated
elevated
temperatures.
(xvi) Fire resistance-Test
resistance—Test methods
methods for fire-resisting materials
for fire-resisting materials and assemblies,
assemblies, as
currently, there is no test method available to
currently, to assess
assess the
the performance
performance of
of fire-resisting
fire-resisting
materials such a plastics.
plastics.
Research and development
Research and development forfor the
the assessment
assessment of aa bushfire
bushfire attack,
attack, together
together with
with specific
specific
construction requirements,are
construction requirements, are continuing
continuingand
and the
the results
results are
are being
being considered
considered byby the
the
Committee for
Committee for inclusion
inclusion in a future
future edition
edition of the Standard.
10111111111111111 I 11
WIT.3000.002.0113
wrr.3000.oo2.oii3
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 4
4
Normative and Informative

The
The terms
terms `normative'
'normative' and
and ìnformative'
'informative' have
have been
been used
used in this Standard
Standard to define
define the
the
application
application of the appendix which they
appendix to which they apply.
apply. A `normative'
'normative' appendix
appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an ìnformative'
'informative' appendix
appendix is
is only
only for
for information
information and
and guidance.
guidance.
Notes and commentaries
commentaries
The use of Notes in this Standard
The Standard is of
of an
an advisory
advisory nature
nature only.
only. They
They provide
provide explanations
explanations
and guidance
and guidance on recommended design consideration
recommended design consideration or technical
technical procedures,
procedures, as well as
as an
an
informative cross-reference to other
informative other documents oror publications.
publications.
This Standard
This Standard incorporates
incorporates a Commentary
Commentary on somesome clauses.
clauses. The
The Commentary directly
Commentary directly
follows thethe relevant
relevant clause,
clause, isis designated
designated by 'C'
'C preceding
preceding the
the clause
clause number
number and
and is printed
in italics
italics ininaapanel.
panel. The
TheCommentary
Commentary is for information
information only
only and
and does
does not
not need
need to be
be
followed forfor compliance
compliance with
with thethe Standard.
Standard.
III w 11
WIT.3000.002.0114
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5
5 , AS
AS 3959-2009
3959—2009
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................. 77
SECTION 11 SCOPE
SCOPE AND AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................ 88
1.1
1.2 OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................ 8 8
1.3 APPLICATION ........................................................................................................... 8
1.4 NORMATIVE
NORMATIVEREFERENCES
REFERENCES .................................................................................... 8
1.5 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 9
DEFINITIONS
1.6 PROCESSOF
PROCESS OFDETERMINING
DETERMINING CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS .................. 11 11
1.7 ATTACK LEVEL
BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL(BAL) (BAL)...................................................................... 12 12
SECTION 2,2 DETERMINING THE BUSHFIRE

SECTION BUSHFIRE ATTACK ATTACK LEVEL (BAL) (BAL)
2.1 GENERAL ...„ ............................................................................................................. 14
2.2 SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE
SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE (METHOD (METHOD1)1).............................................................. 14 14
SECTION 33 CONSTRUCTION
SECTION CONSTRUCTION GENERAL
3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................ 33
3.2 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTSFOR FOR SPECIFIC
SPECIFIC STRUCTURES
STRUCTURES .................. 33
3.3 EXTERNAL
EXTERNALMOULDINGS
MOULDINGS...................................................................................... 35 35
3.4 HIGHER
HIGHER LEVELS
LEVELSOF OFCONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION................................................................ 35
3.5 REDUCTION IN IN CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS DUE TO SHIELDING SHIELDING .... .... 36
3.6 VENTS, WEEPHOLES AND GAPS GAPS ......................................................................... 38
3.7 BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE SHUTTERS
SHUTTERS........................................................................................... 39 39
3.8 TESTING
TESTING TO
TO ASAS 1530.8
1530.8........................................................................................... 40
3.9 GLAZING
GLAZING.................................................................................................................. 40
SECTION
SECTION 44 CONSTRUCTION FOR BUSHFIRE
CONSTRUCTION FOR BUSHFIREATTACK
ATTACKLEVEL
LEVELLOW
LOW(BAL—LOW).
(BAL-LOW). 41
41
SECTION
CONSTRUCTION FOR FOR BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIREATTACK ATTACKLEVEL LEVEL12.5 12.5(BAL—12.5)
(BAL-12.5)
5.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................ 42
5.1 `
5.2 SUBFLOOR SUPPORTS

SUBFLOOR SUPPORTS .......................................................................................... 42 42
5.3 FLOORS
5.3 FLOORS .................................................................................................................... 42
42
5.4 EXTERNALWALLS
EXTERNAL WALLS................................................................................................ 42 42
5.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED ELEMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLIES AND EXTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
DOORS ..................................................................................................................... 43
ROOFS (INCLUDING
5.6 ROOFS (INCLUDING VERANDA VERANDA AND ANDATTACHED
ATTACHEDCARPORT CARPORT ROOFS, ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, FASCIAS, GABLES, GABLES, GUTTERS GUTTERS AND AND DOWNPIPES)46
DOWNPIPES)46
VERANDAS, DECKS,
5.7 VERANDAS, DECKS,STEPS, STEPS, RAMPS AND ANDLANDINGS
LANDINGS.................................... 48 48
5.8 WATER
WATER AND
ANDGAS GASSUPPLYSUPPLYPIPES PIPES........................................................................ 49
SECTION
CONSTRUCTION FOR FOR BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIREATTACK ATTACKLEVEL LEVEL19 19(BAL—19)
(BAL-19)
6.1 GENERAL
6.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................ 50 50
SUBFLOOR SUPPORTS ..........................................................................................
.-. 50
50
6.3 50.
FLOORS .................................................................................................................... 50.
EXTERNALWALLS
6.4 EXTERNAL WALLS................................................................................................ .50 50
6.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED ELEMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLIES AND AND EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
DOORS .....................................................................................................................
v 51
6.6 ROOFS (INCLUDING VERANDA
ROOFS (INCLUDING VERANDA AND ANDATTACHED
ATTACHEDCARPORT CARPORT ROOFS, ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, EAVES, FASCIAS,FASCIAS, GABLES, GABLES, GUTTERS GUTTERS AND AND DOWNPIPES)54
DOWNPIPES)54
wrr.3ooo.oo2.oii5
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 6
Page
6.7 VERANDAS,
VERANDAS,DECKS,
DECKS,STEPS,
STEPS, RAMPS AND AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS.................................... 56
6.8 WATER AND
ANDGAS
GASSUPPLY
SUPPLYPIPES
PIPES........................................................................ 57
SECTION77 CONSTRUCTION
SECTION CONSTRUCTION FOR FORBUSHFIRE
BUSHFIREATTACK ATTACKLEVEL LEVEL2929(BAL—29) (BAL-29)
7.1 GENERAL
GENERAL ................................................................................................................ 58
7.2 SUBFLOOR
SUBFLOOR SUPPORTS
SUPPORTS .......................................................................................... 58
7.3 FLOORS .................................................................................................................... 58
7.4 EXTERNAL WALLS................................................................................................ 59
EXTERNAL WALLS 59
DOORS ..................................................................................................................... 59
ATTACHEDCARPORT CARPORTROOFS, ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES)62 DOWNPIPES)62
7.7 VERANDAS,
VERANDAS,DECKS,DECKS,STEPS, STEPS, RAMPS AND AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS.................................... 64
7.8 WATER
WATER AND
ANDGAS GASSUPPLYSUPPLYPIPES PIPES........................................................................ 66 66
BUSHFIREATTACK ATTACKLEVEL LEVEL4040(BAL-^10) (BAL-40)
8.1 GENERAL
GENERAL ...........................................................................:.................................... 67
0000000000
8.1
SUPPORTS ..........................................................................................
: 67
67
8.3 FLOORS .................................................................................................................... 67
8.3
8.4 EXTERNALWALLS
EXTERNAL WALLS................................................................................................ 68
DOORS .....................................................................................................................
, 68
68
ROOFS(INCLUDING
8.6 ROOFS (INCLUDING VERANDA VERANDA AND ANDATTACHED
00
C
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS GUTTERS AND AND

DOWNPIPES) ........................................................................................................... 70
8.7 VERANDAS,
VERANDAS,DECKS,DECKS,STEPS, STEPS, RAMPS RAMPS AND ANDLANDINGS
LANDINGS..................................... 72 72
0000
8.8 WATER ANDGAS

WATER AND GASSUPPLYSUPPLYPIPES PIPES........................................................................ 73
00
BUSHFIREATTACK ATTACKLEVEL LEVELFZ FZ(BAL—FZ)
(BAL-FZ)
9.1 GGENERAL
9.1 E N E R A L ................................................................................................................ 74 74
9.2 SUPPORTS .......................................................................................... 74 74
FLOORS ........................... :........................................................................................ 74
9.3 FLOORS...
9.3 74
9.4 EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL WALLS WALLS................................................................................................ 75 75
9.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED
GLAZED ELEMENTS ELEMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLIES AND AND EXTERNAL
DOORS ..................................................................................................................... 75 75
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS GUTTERS AND AND
DOWNPIPES) ............................................................................................................ 77
DOWNPIPES) 77
VERANDAS, DECKS,
9.7 VERANDAS, DECKS,STEPS, STEPS, RAMPS AND LANDINGS LANDINGS.................................... 78
9.8 WATER
WATER AND ANDGAS GASSUPPLY
SUPPLYPIPES PIPES '. ; ;.. 80
........................................................................ 80
APPENDICES
A WORKED EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE FOR FOR THE THE ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT OF OF BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK ATTACK
LEVEL (BAL)........................................................................................................... 81
LEVEL (BAL) 81
B DETAILED
DETAILED METHOD
METHOD FOR FOR DETERMINING THE BUSHFIRE ATTACK
LEVEL (BAL)—METHOD
LEVEL (BAL)-METHOD 2
2 .................................................................................... 83
C PROCESS AND
PROCESS AND PROCEDURE
PROCEDUREFOR FORDETERMINING
DETERMINING THE BUSHFIRE
ATTACK LEVEL(BAL)
ATTACK LEVEL (BAL).......................................................................................... 95 95
D ILLUSTRATIONS
ILLUSTRATIONS .. .................................................................................................. 96
E TIMBER SPECIES AND
TIMBER SPECIES DENSITIES................................................................... 101
AND DENSITIES
F
F BUSHFIRE-RESISTING TIMBER
BUSHFIRE-RESISTING TIMBER......................................................................... 105 105
G EXPLANATIONOF
EXPLANATION OFBUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK ATTACKLEVELS LEVELS(BALs) (BALs).............................. 107 107
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7 AS 3959-2009
3959—2009
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
This Standard is primarily
Standard is primarily concerned with improving
concerned with improving thethe ability of
of buildings
buildings inindesignated
designated
bushfire-prone areastoto better
bushfire-prone areas better withstand
withstand attack
attackfrom
from bushfire
bushfire thus
thus giving
giving aa measure
measure of
protection
protection to the
the building occupants (until the
occupants (until the fire front
front passes)
passes) asaswell
well as
asto
to the
the building
building
itself.
Improving the
the design
design and construction of buildings to minimize damage
and construction damage fromfrom the
the effects
effects of
bushfire
bushfire is but
but one
one ofofseveral
severalmeasures
measures available
available to property
property owners
owners and and occupiers
occupiers to
address damage
address damageduring
during bushfire.
bushfire. Property
Property owners
owners should
should be
be aware
aware that
that this
this Standard
Standard isis part
process that aims to lessen
of aa process lessen the risk
risk of
of damage
damage to buildings occurring
occurring in the event of the
onslaught of bushfire.
onslaught bushfire. Other measures
measures of mitigating damage from
mitigating damage from bushfire
bushfire fall
fall within
within the
areas of planning, subdivision, siting,
siting, landscaping
landscaping and
and maintenance.
maintenance.
Research is continuing
Research with regards
continuing with regards to the effects
effects of bushfires
bushfires on buildings, determination
determination
of bushfire-prone
of areas within
bushfire-prone areas within various
various States
States and
and particular
particular construction
construction techniques
techniques
designed to maximize
designed the performance
maximize the performance ofof buildings
buildings when
when subjected
subjected to
to bushfire
bushfire attack.
attack. The
outcomes of this research
outcomes research will be reflected
reflected in subsequent
subsequent editions of this Standard.
The measures
The set out
measures set out in this
this Standard
Standard to
to improve
improve construction, and thus
construction, and thus better
better equip
equip aa
building to withstand
withstand the effects
effects from
from bushfire,
bushfire, maymay also
also be
be used
used as a guide for those who
wish to voluntarily
voluntarily adopt
adopt such
such measures
measures inin situations
situations where
where regulatory
regulatory compliance
compliance is not
not
mandated.
Although this Standard
Although this provides for
Standard provides for the
the highest
highest Bushfire Attack Level
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL),
(BAL), that
that is,
BAL-FZ, there
BAL—FZ, there may
may bebecircumstances
circumstances advised
advised byby authorities
authorities having
having jurisdiction
jurisdiction that
building in a particular bushfre
bushfire location
location isis either
either not
not recommended
recommended or not permitted
permitted based
on unrealistic risk exposures.
exposures.
Of significance to this Standard
significance to Standard isis the
the publication
publication (in
(in 2007)
2007) of
of methods
methods of of test
test whereby
whereby
building materials, elements
building materials, elements of of construction
constructionand and systems
systems subjected
subjectedtoto the
the tests
tests of the
the
AS 1530.8 series will
1530.8 series will satisfy
satisfy the construction requirements prescribed
construction requirements prescribed in
in Sections
Sections 55 toto 99 of
this Standard.
Standard. These methods are are AS 1530.8.1, Methods
AS 1530.8.1, for fire
Methods for fare tests
tests onon building
building materials,
materials,
components
components and and structures,
structures, Part 8.1: Tests on
8.1: Tests on elements
elementsofof construction
constructionfor for buildings
buildings
exposed
exposed toto simulated
simulated bushfire
bushfire attack—Radiant
attack-Radiant heat
heat and
and small
small flaming
flaming sources
sources and
AS 1530.8.2,
1530.8.2, Methods
Methodsfor
forfire teststests
fire on building materials,
on building components
materials, and structures,
components and structures,
Part 8.2: Tests on
8.2: Tests on elements
elements of of construction
construction forfor buildings
buildings exposed
exposed to to simulated
simulated bushfire
bushfire
attack-Large flaming
attack—Large flaming sources.
sources.
The modelling
The procedure for
modelling procedure for the
the assessment
assessment ofof Bushfire
Bushfire Attack
Attack Level
Level (BAL)
(BAL) in
in this
this
Standard uses the nominal inputs
Standard inputs shown
shown in
in Table
Table 2.4.1 with an
an assumed
assumed flame
flame temperature
temperature
of 1090 K. The
1090 K. The outputs
outputs result
result in the production of Tables
production of Tables 2.4.2
2.4.2 to
to 2.4.5. Adoption
Adoption of
of flame
temperature is a jurisdictional matter.
matter.
It
It should
should be
be borne
borne in
inmind
mindthat
thatthe
themeasures
measures contained
contained in
in this
thisStandard
Standard cannot
cannot
that a building
guarantee that survive a bushfire
will survive
building, will bushfire event
event on every occasion. This is
on every is
substantially the unpredictable nature
due to the
substantially due nature and
and behaviour
behaviour of of fire
fire and
and extreme
weather conditions.
WIT.3000.002.0117
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AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 8
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Construction of
of buildings
buildings in
inbushfire-prone
bushfire-prone areas
areas
SECTION
S E C T I O N 11 SCOPE
S AND
COPE A ND GENERAL
GENERAL
1.1
1.1 SCOPE
SCOPE
This Standard specifies requirements
Standard specifies requirementsfor for the
the construction
construction of
of buildings
buildings in bushfire-prone
bushfire-prone
areas
areas inin order
order to improve their
their resistance to bushfire
resistance to bushfire attack
attack from
from burning
burning embers,
embers, radiant
radiant
heat,
heat, flame
flame contact and combinations of the three three attack
attack forms.
Although this
this Standard
Standard is is designed
designed to improve the performance
performance of buildings
buildings when
when subjected
subjected
to bushfire attack in designated bushfire-prone areas
bushfire attack in designated bushfire-prone areas there can be there can be no guarantee
guarantee thatthat aa
building will survive a bushfire event on every
will survive a bushfire event on every occasion. occasion. This is substantially
is substantially due to the
unpredictable nature
unpredictable nature and behaviour
behaviour of fire and and extreme weather
weather conditions.
NOTES:
NOTES:
I1 The
The construction
construction measures
measures contained
contained in this
this Standard
Standard are
are not
notthe
theonly
onlymeasures
measures that
that can
canbe
be
considered to address
considered address bushfire
bushfire attack as there
there are other means
means available
available that are outside the
scope
scope of
of this Standard. Standards
this Standard. StandardsAustralia's
Australia'sHandbook
HandbookHB HB3636provides
providesfurther
further information
on these issues.
issues.
2 On the basis that the committee is not aware
2 aware of any clear evidence that smokesmoke from
from a bushfire
entering a building
entering is aa risk,
building is risk, this
this Standard
Standard does
does not
not address
addressthe
theinfiltration
infiltration of smoke
smoke nor any
nor any
associated health
associated health risk.
1.2 OBJECTIVE
1.2 OBJECTIVE
1.2.1 Objective of this Standard
Standard
The objective
The objective of this Standard to prescribe
Standard is to prescribeparticular
particular construction
construction details
details for
for buildings
buildings to
reduce therisk
reduce the risk of
of ignition
ignition from
from aabushfire
bushfire while
whilethe
thefire
firefront
frontpasses.
passes.
Objective of
1.2.2 Objective of this
this Edition
The
The objective
objective of
of this
this Edition
Editionisistotoprovide
provideadditional
additionaland
anddetailed
detailedmethods
methodsofofassessing
assessing
bushfire attack commensurate
bushfire commensurate with with the
the applicable
applicable construction
construction requirements
requirements at
at increased
increased
increments when
increments when compared
compared to to the previous
previous edition.
1.3 APPLICATION
1.3 APPLICATION
This Standard
Standard isis limited to
tothose
those sites
sites where
where the Bushfire Level (BAL)
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)hashas been
been
determined asas BAL-LOW, BAL-12.5, BAL—19,
BAL—LOW, BAL—12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29,
BAL—29, BAL-40
BAL—40 or or BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ(see (see
Table 3.1).
NOTE: Although
NOTE: Althoughthere
thereare
areno
nospecific
specific construction
requirements ininthe
theBAL
BALdesignated
designated as
asLOW,
LOW,
does not imply
this does these buildings
imply these buildings are
are not at risk.
1.4 NORMATIVE
1.4 NORMATIVEREFERENCES
REFERENCES
The following documents are indispensable
indispensable to
to the application of this Standard.
the application Standard.
AS
1288
1288 Glass in buildings—Selection
Glass in buildings-Selection and
and installation
installation
1530 Methods for
for fire
firetests
tests on
onbuilding
buildingmaterials,
materials,components
componentsand
andstructures
structures
1530.1
1530.1 Parti:
Part 1: Combustibility testtest for materials
© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

WIT.3000.002.0118
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9 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
AS
1530.2 Test for
Part 2: Test for flammability of materials
materials
1530.4
1530.4 4: Fire-resistance test of elements
Part 4: elements of
of construction
construction
1530.8.1
1530.8.1 Part 8.1: Tests
Tests on elements
elements of
of construction
construction for
for buildings exposed to simulated
simulated
bushfire attack-Radiant heat and small flaming sources
attack—Radiant heat and small flaming sources
1530.8.2 Part 8.2:
8.2: Tests on elements of construction for for buildings. exposed to simulated
buildings exposed simulated
bushfire attack Large flaming sources
attack—Large sources
1684 Residential timber-framed
timber-framed construction
1684.2 Part 2: Non-cyclonic areas
1684.3
1684.3 Part 3:
3: Cyclonic areas
1720 Timber structures
1720.2 Part 2: Timber properties
properties
AS/NZS
3837 Method of test
Method test for
for heat
heat and
and smoke
smoke release
release rates
rates for materials
materials and
and products
products
using an oxygen
oxygen consumption
consumption calorimeter
ASTM
D2898 Standard Practice for
Standard Practice for Accelerated
Accelerated Weathering
Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated
Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood
for Fire Testing
Testing
BCA Building Code
Building Code of Australia
Atlas
Atlas of
of Australian
Australian Resources-Volume
Resources—Volume 66 Vegetation,
Vegetation, Australian
Australian Surveying
Surveying and
and Land
Land
Group,Department
Information Group, Department of
of Administrative
AdministrativeServices,
Services,Canberra,
Canberra, 1990.
1990.
1.5 DEFINITIONS
1.5 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose
purpose of this Standard, the definitions
Standard, the definitions below apply.
1.5.1 Bushfire
An unplanned
unplannedfire
fireburning
burningin in vegetation;
vegetation; alsoalso referred
referred to as to as wildfire.
wildfire.
1.5.2 Bushfire
1.5.2 Bushfire attack
Burning embers, radiant
Burning embers, radiant heat
heat or
or flame
flame generated by a bushfire,
generated by bushfire, which
which might
might result
result in
in
ignition and subsequent damage
damage or
or destruction of
of aa building.
building.
1.5.3 Bushfire-prone
1.5.3 Bushfire-prone area
area
areathat
An area thatisissubject
subjectto,to,
or or likely
likely to subject
to be be subject to, bushfire
to, bushfire attack.attack.
1.5.4
1.5.4 Bushfire-resisting
Bushfire-resisting timber
Timber that meets the criteria specified
specified in Appendix F.
15.5
1.5.5 Classified
Classifiedvegetation
vegetation
Vegetation that has
has been
been classified
classified in
in accordance
accordance with
with Clause
Clause 2.2.3.
2.2.3.
1.5.6 Combustible
1.5.6 Combustible
Combustible as determined
determined by AS
AS 1530.1.
1530.1.
1.5.7 Decking
1.5.7 Decking
That
That part
part of the
the structure
structure of
of verandas,
verandas, decks,
decks, steps,
steps, ramps
ramps and
and landings that forms
landings that forms the
trafficable surface of
trafficable of the structure.
structure.
1.5.8
1.5.8 Doorframe
Doorframe
The frame
frame surrounding and supporting a door where the frame
frame consists
consists of
of two
two jambs,
jambs, a head
head
and sometimes
and sometimesaatransom
transomandandaasill,
sill, and
and isis machined
machinedor
or made
madefrom
from solid
solid stock
stock or
or with aa
planted
planted doorstop (Figure 3.2).
www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

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WIT.3000.002.0119
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AS 3959-2009
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10
1.5.9 Effective slope

slope
The
The slope under that
that classified
vegetation which
which most influences
influences the bushfire
bushfire attack
attack (see
(see
Figure 2.2).
2.2).
1.5.10 Ember attack
1.5.10
Smouldering or flaming
Smouldering or flaming windborne
windbome debris
debris that
that is capable
capable of
of entering
entering ororaccumulating
accumulating
around a building and may ignite the
around the building
building or other combustible
combustible materials and debris.
1.5.11 Ember
Emberguard
guard
A cover inserted in
in or
or over
over an
an opening
opening or cavity to prevent the entry of burning embers.
embers.
1.5.12 Fire Danger Index (FDI)
The chance
The chance ofof a fire
fire starting,
starting, its
its rate
rate of
of spread,
spread, its
its intensity
intensity and the difficulty
and the of its
difficulty of
suppression, according to various combinations
suppression, according combinations of of air temperature,
temperature, relative humidity, wind
speed and both the long- and short-term
short-term drought effects.
NOTE: This
This Standard
Standard has adopted
adopted the
the equations
equations for the Forest Fire Danger
Danger Index
Index by
by Noble
Noble I.R.,
I.R.,
Bary G.A.V. and Gill A.M.
A.M. 1980.
1980.
1.5.13 Fire resistance level (FRL)
1.5.13
The nominal
nominal grading period, in minutes, that is determined
minutes, that by subjecting
determined by subjecting a specimen to the
specimen to
standard time temperature curve regime as set out in AS
out in AS1530.4,
1530.4,totospecify—
specify
(a) structural adequacy,
adequacy,
(b) integrity, and
(c) insulation,
which are expressed in in that order.
order.
NOTE: For example, a building element with an FRI, FRL of
of 120/60/30
120/60/30 will maintain,
maintain, when
when tested
tested in
in
accordance withAS
accordance with AS1530.4—
1530.4-
(a) structural adequacy
adequacy for aa period
period of
of 120
120 min;
min;
(b) integrity for aa period of
of 60
60 min; and
(c) insulation for aa period ofof 30
30 min.
1.5.14 Flame
1.5.14 Flame temperature
temperature
The
The assumed effective flame
assumed effective flame temperature
temperaturesustained
sustainedfor
foraa 22min
min period
period over
over aa fire
fire front
front
width of 100
100 in.
m. Instantaneous
Instantaneous flame
flame temperature may
may peak
peak above
above 1200
1200 K.
K.
1.5.15 Flame
1.5.15 Flame Zone
Zone (FZ)
highest level of bushfire
The highest bushfire attack as a consequence direct exposure
consequence of direct exposure to
to flames
flames from
from the
fire front in addition to heat flux
flux and ember attack.
1.5.16
1.5.16 Flammability
Flammability index
index
The index number as determined by AS 1530.2.
1.5.17
1.5.17 Foliage
Foliage cover
cover
The proportion
The proportion of
of the
the ground that would
ground that would be
be shaded
shaded by foliage
foliage when
when the sun
sun isis shining
shining
directly overhead,
directly overhead, expressed
expressedasasaa percentage
percentageforfor each
each stratum
stratum or
or identifiable layer of
identifiable layer of
vegetation.
1.5.18 Glazed
1.5.18 Glazed assembly
assembly
Any combination
Any combination ofof glass
glass and
and any
any other
other material
material that
that fills
fills a window
window or door opening;
opening; also
known as a glazing system.
system.

WIT.3000.002.0120
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11 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
1.5.19
1.5.19 Non-combustible
Non-combustible
Not
Not deemed
deemed combustible
combustible as determined
determined by AS 1530.1
1530.1 or not
not deemed
deemed combustible in
combustible in
accordance with the BCA.
BCA.
1.5.20 Overstorey
1.5.20 Overstorey
The canopy, being the tallest stratum of the vegetation profile.

profile.
1.5.21 Relevant
1.5.21 Relevant authority
An
An independent
independent agency
agency authorized
authorized by legislation
legislation or
or regulation
regulation to
toissue
issuedeterminations,
determinations,
orders, or
or other instructions
instructions in
in respect
respect of
ofany
any subject
subject covered
covered by
by this
this Standard.
Standard.
1.5.22 Resistance
1.5.22 the incipient
Resistance to the incipient spread of fire (in respect
spread of floor system)
respect of a floor system)
The ability
The ability of
of the
the membrane
membrane to insulate
insulate and thereby
thereby limit
limit the rise in
in temperature
temperature of of the
the
combustible elements
combustible elementsof ofthe
the floor
floor system
systemto to aa level that will
level that will not
not permit
permit thethe rapid
rapid and
general spread of
general of fire
fire throughout
throughout the floor
floor system
system andand to
to any
anyadjoining
adjoining fire
fire compartments,
compartments,
in accordance with AS AS 1530.4.
1530.4.
1.5.23 Sarking-type material
A material,
A material, such
such as
as aareflective
reflective foil
foil or
orother
otherflexible
flexible membrane,
membrane, normally
normally used
used for a
purpose such as
as water
water proofing,
proofing, vapour
vapour proofing
proofing or
or thermal
thermal reflectance.
reflectance.
1.5.24 Shall
Indicates aa mandatory requirement.
requirement.
1.5.25 Should
Indicates aa recommendation
recommendation or that which is advisory but not mandatory.
1.5.26 Site
The part of the allotment
allotment of
of land on which a building stands or is to be erected.
erected.
1.5.27 Understorey
1.5.27 Understorey
The vegetation beneath the overstorey.
overstorey.
1.6
1.6 PROCESS
PROCESSOF
OFDETERMINING
DETERMININGCONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
The
The process
process for
fordetermining
determining construction
requirements is
is diagrammatically
diagrammatically shown
shown in
in
Figure 1.1.
1.1.
C1.6
CI. 6 Before
Before construction
requirements covered
covered byby this
this Standard
Standard can bebe determined, it is
determined, it is
first necessary
first necessary totodetermine
determine the
the Bushfire
Bushfire Attack
Attack Level
Level (BAL)
(BAL)bybyan
anassessment
assessment of the
the subject
subject
allotment
allotment and
andclassified
vegetation impacting
impacting on onthe
thesite.
site.Assessment
Assessment methodologies are
methodologies are
provided ininSection
Section22and andAppendices
Appendices AAandandB.B.The
Theassessment
assessment outcomes
outcomes are
areexpressed
expressed inin
BALs and radiant heat heat levels
levels provide
provide the range on an which the construction requirements are
based.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM
WIT.3000.002.0121
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 12
1.7
1.7 BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL
LEVEL (BAL)
(BAL)
The following
following Bushfire
Bushfire Attack Levels
Levels (BAL),
(BAL), based on heat flux exposure
on heat exposure threshold
thresholds'(see
(see
Table 3.1), are used in this Standard:
are used Standard:
BAL-LOW
BAL—LOW
BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5
BAL-19
BAL—19
BAL-29
BAL—29
BAL-40
BAL-^10
BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ
NOTE: Refer to Appendix G for a description of the threats associated with each BAL.
Australia www.standards.org.au
A 1111101111
WIT.3000.002.0122
13
13 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
Determine ifif the

Determine the building
building is
Is
located inin aa designated
designated
bushfire-prone area as defined
In
in the
the BCA
BCA
This Standard
does not apply £-
Yes
_w
Assess Bushfire Attack
Level (BAL)
No construction Yes
requirements
Section 4
Yes Construction
-^ Sections
3 and 5
Yes Construction
Sections
3 and 6
Yes Construction
-} Sections
3 and 7
Yes Construction
Sections
3 and 8
Yes Construction
• *
Sections
3 and 9
FIGURE
FIGURE 1.1
1.1 FLOW DIAGRAM SHOWING
SHOWING THE PROCESS FOR
FOR DETERMINING
DETERMINING
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS

u
WIT.3000.002.0123
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 14
14
SECTION
SECTION 2
2 DETERMINING THE
DETERMINING T H E BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK
ATTACK LEVEL
L E V E L (BAL)
(BAL)
2.1
2.1 GENERAL
GENERAL
The Bushfire Attack
The Bushfire Attack Level
Level (BAL)
(BAL) shall be
be determined
determinedby
byusing
usingthe—
the-
(a) procedure described
simplified procedure described in Clause
Clause 2.2
2.2 (Method or
(Method 1); or
NOTE; See
NOTES SeeAppendix
Appendix C
C for
for a flow diagram
diagram to
to summarize
summarize the
the process.
process.
(b) detailed
detailed procedure
procedure described
describedininAppendix
Appendix BB (Method
(Method 2).
BALs are based
BALs are based on
on levels
levels of
of exposure
exposure defined
defined in
in Table 3.1.
3.1.
C2.1 There
Thereare
aretwo
twomethods
methods for determining BALs:
for determining BALs:
Method 1—a
Method 1-a simplified
simplifiedprocedure
procedurethatthatinvolves
involvesfive
fiveprocedural
proceduralsteps
stepstotodetermine
determineBALs,
BALs,
and is subject
subject to limitations on
on the
the circumstances
circumstances in which ititcancan be
be used
used (see Appendix C).
(see Appendix Q.
Method2—a
Method 2-a detailed
detailed procedure
procedure using
using calculations
calculations to
to determine
determine BALs
BALs where
where aa more
more
specific result
specific result is
is sought
sought or where
where thethe site
site conditions
conditions are
are outside
outside of the
the scope
scope of the
the
(Method 1)
simplified procedure (Method 1)(see
(see Appendix B).
B).
BALs are used
BALs used to
to determine which, if any,
determine which, any, construction
requirements contained
contained in
in
Sections 33to
Sections to99of
ofthis
thisStandard
Standardare
areappropriate
appropriatefor
for aaparticular
particular site.
site.
2.2 SIMPLIFIED
2.2 SIMPLIFIEDPROCEDURE
PROCEDURE (METHOD
(METHOD 1)
1)
2.2.1 General
For the simplified procedure
procedure (Method 1),
1), the
the following
followingsteps
steps shall
shallbe
beused
used to
to determine
determine the
the
BAL forall
BAL for allcircumstances
circumstances except
except where
where the
the effective
effective slope
slope under
under the
the classified
classified vegetation,
vegetation,
calculated in accordance
calculated accordancewith
with Clause
Clause 2.2.5,
2.2.5, is
is more
more than
than 20°
20° downslope.
downslope.
Step Clause Procedure
Step 11 2.2.2 Determine the
the relevant
relevant FDI'
FDI (see
(see Table 2.1).
2.1).
Step 2 2.2.3 Determine
Determine thethe classified vegetation type(s) (see Table 2.3 and
Figure 2.3).
Step 33 2.2.4 Determine the
Determine the distance
distance of of the
the site
site from
from the
theclassified
vegetation
type(s) [(Point A
A to
to Point
Point B
B see Figure 2.1)].
see Figure
Step 4 2.2.5 Determine the effective slope(s)
slope(s) under the classified vegetation
vegetation type(s)
(see
(see Figure
Figure 2.2).
Step 55 2.2.6 Determine the BAL
BAL from
from the
theappropriate
appropriate table
table (see
(see Tables.2.4.2,
Tables 2.4.2, 2.4.3,
2.4.4
2.4.4 and
and 2.4.5,
2.4.5, and
and refer
refer to Table
Table 2.4.1
2.4.1 for input
input values
values used
used inin
developing the
the Tables.
Tables.
Step 6 2.2.7 the appropriate
Determine the appropriate construction requirements.
requirements.
2.2.2 Step 1-Relevant Fire
Step 1—Relevant FireDanger
Danger Index
Index -(FDI)
(FDI)
The relevant
The relevant FDI
FDI shall
shall be
be determined
determined inin accordance with Table
accordance with Table2.1
2.1 for
for the
the identified
identified
jurisdiction or
or region
region within a jurisdiction.

WIT.3000.002.0124
15
15 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
TABLE 2.1
TABLE 2.1
JURISDICTIONAL
JURISDICTIONAL AND
AND REGIONAL VALUES
VALUES FOR FDI
State/region FDI
Capital Territory
Australian Capital 100
South Wales
New South Wales
(a) Greater Hunter,
Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Far South
South Coast and 100
Southern Ranges
Southern Ranges fire weather districts
(b) NSW
NSWalpine
alpine areas
areas 50
(c) NSW
NSWgeneral
general(excluding
(excludingalpine
alpineareas,
areas,Greater
GreaterHunter,
Hunter, Greater
Greater Sydney,
Sydney, 80
Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Far South
South Coast and Southern Ranges fire weather
weather
districts
Northern Territory 40
Queensland 40
South Australia
South Australia 80
80,
Tasmania 50
Victoria
(a) Victoria alpine areas 50
(b) Victoria general (excluding alpine areas) 100
100,
Western
Western Australia 80
NOTES:
NOTES:
I1 The
The FDI values
values may
may bebe able
able to be refined
refined within aa jurisdiction
jurisdiction or
or region
region where
where sufficient
sufficient
climatological data is available and in consultation with the
the relevant
relevant regulatory
regulatory authority.
authority.
22 The FDI values
values were
were provided
provided by
by the
theAustralasian
Australasian Fire
Fireand
andEmergency
Emergency Service
Service Authorities
Authorities
(AFAC).
Council (AFAC).
33 Alpine
Alpine and
and sub-alpine
sub-alpineareas are defined
areas are defined as
as per
per the
the Building
Building Code
Code of
of Australia,
Australia, Volume
Volume Two.
Two.
2.2.3 Step
2.2.3 2-Vegetation classification
Step 2—Vegetation classification
2.2.3.1
2.2.3.1 General
General
Vegetation shall be
Vegetation shall be classified
classified in accordance with Table
accordance with Table 2.3
2.3 and
and Figures 2.4(A) to 2.4(G).
Figures 2.4(A)
Where there
there is more than one vegetation
vegetation type, each
each type
type shall be classified
classified separately
separately with
with
the worst case
case scenario
scenario (predominant
(predominant vegetation not necessarily
vegetation is not necessarily the
the worst
worst case
case scenario)
scenario)
applied.
NOTE: Classification
Classification of vegetation
vegetation should
should not be based
based solely on
on the
the edge
edge of
of the
the vegetation,
vegetation,
which may be invaded by by weeds.
weeds.
2.2.3.2 Exclusions-Low
2.2.3.2 Exclusions—Lowthreat
threatvegetation
vegetationand
andnon-vegetated
non-vegetated areas
areas
The Bushfire
The Bushfire Attack
AttackLevel
Levelshall
shallbe
beclassified
classifiedBAL—LOW
BAL-LOW where
where the vegetation is one
vegetation is one or
or a
combination of any of the following:
combination following:
(a) Vegetation of any type that is more than
than 100 m
in from
from the site.
(b) Single areas
Single areas of vegetation
vegetation less than 11 ha
ha ininarea and not
areaand not within
within 100
100 in
m of
of other
otherareas
areas
of vegetation being classified.
classified.
(c) Multiple areas
Multiple areas of
of vegetation
vegetation less
less than
than 0.25
0.25 ha
ha in area
area and
and not within
within 20
20 m
m of
of the
the site,
or each other. _
(d) Strips vegetation less than 20 m in width

Strips of vegetation width regardless of length and not within 20 m
in
of the site or each other, or other areas of vegetation being classified.
classified.
(e) Non-vegetated areas, including
Non-vegetated areas, including waterways, roads, footpaths,
waterways, roads, footpaths, buildings
buildings and
and rocky
rocky
outcrops.

WIT.3000.002.0125
AS 3959-2009
3959—2009 16
16
(f) Low threat

Low threat vegetation,
vegetation, including
includingmanaged
managed grassland,
grassland, maintained
maintained lawns,
lawns, golf
golfcourses,
courses,
maintained
maintained public reserves
reserves and
and parklands,
parklands, botanical
botanical gardens,
gardens, vineyards,
vineyards, orchards,
orchards,
cultivated ornamental
cultivated ornamental gardens,
gardens, commercial
commercial nurseries,
nurseries, nature
nature strips
strips and
and wind
wind breaks.
breaks.
2.2.4 Step 3-Distance of
Step 3—Distance ofthe
the site
site from
from classified
vegetation
For each vegetation type
each vegetation type classified
classified in
in Clause
Clause 2.2.3,
2.2.3, determine
determine the
the distance
distance of
of the
the site
site from
from
the classified
the classified vegetation, measured in
vegetation, measured in the horizontal
horizontal plane
plane (see
(see Figure 2.1, Point
Figure 2.1, Point AA to
to
Point B).
LEGEND:
Building site
v 00
I"!!!""! (elevation)
Classified
Classified
vegetation
Edge of
Edge of vegetation
AB Horizontal distance
Horizontal distance
AB measurement
B
B A
A
NOTES:
NOTES:
1 The measurement
1 measurement of distance
distance AA toto BB is
is measured
measured in planplan (i.e.,
(i.e., horizontally)
horizontally) and
and is taken
taken to
to the
the external
external
wall of
of the proposed building, or for
the proposed for parts
parts of
of the
the building
buildingthatthatdodonot
nothave
have external
external walls
walls (including
(including
carports,
carports, verandas,
verandas, decks,
decks, landings,
landings, steps
steps and
and ramps),
ramps), to columns. The following
to the supporting posts or columns. following
parts
parts of
of the building are excluded when determining the
building are the distance A to B:
A to B:
(a) Eaves and and roof overhangs.
(b) Rainwater
Rainwater and and domestic fuel
fuel tanks.
tanks.
(c) Chimneys, pipes, pipes, cooling or heating
cooling or heating appliances
appliances or orother
otherservices.
services.
(d) Unroofed pergolas.
(e) Sun blinds.
blinds.
Landings, terraces, steps
(f) Landings, steps and
and ramps,
ramps,not
not more
more than
than 1 m mininheight.
height.
22 In the
the three
three illustrations
illustrations above,
above, the distance A to B
the distance B is the
the same
same horizontal distance from
horizontal distance classified
from the classified
vegetation to
vegetation to the site. The area
area between
betweenA A and
and B B may contain
contain vegetation
vegetation not
not required
required to be classified
classified in
accordance with
accordance Clause 2.2.3.
with Clause
2.1 DETERMINATION-
FIGURE 2.1
FIGURE OF DISTANCE
DETERMINATION OF DISTANCE OF
OF SITE
SITE FROM
FROM CLASSIFIED
VEGETATION
2.2.5 Step 4-Effective slope of

4—Effective slope of land
land under the classified vegetation
`Slope' refers to
'Slope' refers to the
the slope under the
slope under the classified
vegetationininrelation
relationtotothe
thebuilding—not
building-not
building.
the slope between the vegetation and the building.
For
For each
each vegetation
vegetation type
type classified
classified in
in Clause
Clause 2.2.3,
2.2.3, determine
determine the
the effective slope (in
effective slope
degrees) of
degrees) of the
the land
land under
under the
the classified
vegetation and
and whether
whether itit is upslope
upslope or downslope
downslope
relation to the site (see Figure 2.2).
in relation
© Standards
Standards Australia
IMO
WIT.3000.002.0126
17
17 AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
Effective
Effective slope
slope of
ofland
landunder
underclassified
classifiedvegetation
vegetationisispresented
presented inindegrees,
degrees, approximate
approximate
slope ratios and
slope and percentages.
percentages.AsAsfires
firestravel
travelslower
slowerdowndownaahill,
hill, all classified vegetation that
is upslope
upslope will
will assume
assume a value
value ofof 0°
0°(i.e.,
(i.e.,flat
flatland).
land).Table
Table2.22.2provides
providescomparisons
comparisons
between degrees, slope ratios and
and percentages.
percentages.
C2.5 TheTheslope
slope ofofthe
theland
landunder
underthe
the classified
vegetation isismuch
much more
more important
important than
thanthe
the
the land
slope of the land between
between the site and the edge
edge of the classified vegetation.
vegetation. The
The slope of the
the
land under
under the
the classified
classified vegetation has aa direct
vegetation has direct influence
influence on on the
the rate
rate of fire
fire spread,
spread, the
the
severity
severity of the
the fire and the
the ultimate
ultimate level heat flux.
level of radiant heat flux.
For Method
Method 11 itit isisnot
not important
importanttotodetermine
determine the
theslope
slope of
of the
the land
land between
between the site and the
the
edge of the
edge of the classified
classified vegetation (see Figure
vegetation (see Figure2.1,2.1, Point
PointBB to to Point
Point A).
A). The further the
The further the
distance
distance the less
less radiant
radiant heat reaches
reaches the
the site.
site.
It may
may be
be necessary
necessary to consider
consider the
the slope
slope under
under the
the classified
vegetation for distances
distances
greater
greater than
than 100 m in order
100 m order totodetermine
determine the
the effective
effective slope
slope for
for that
thatvegetation
vegetation
classification.
classification.
Where the
Where the slope
slope of
of the
the land
land under
under the
the classified
vegetation is downhill from thethe edge
edge of
of the
the
classified nearest the
vegetation nearest thesite,
site,itit is
is considered
considered 'downslope'
'downslope' regardless
regardless of
of the
the slope
slopeof of
the land between
between thethe site
site and
and the
the edge
edge of of the
the classified
classified vegetation (see Figure
vegetation (see 2.2).
Figure 2.2).
Wherethe
Where theslope
slopeofof the
the land
land under
under the
the classified
vegetationisisuphill
uphill from
from the
the edge
edge of the
the
classified vegetation nearest
nearestthe
thesite,
site,itit is considered
considered 'upslope' regardless of
'upslope' regardless of the
the slope
slope of
of
the land between
between the
the site
site and
and the
the edge
edge of
of thethe classified
vegetation (see
(seeFigure
Figure 2.2).
TABLE 2.2
TABLE 2.2
SLOPE COMPARISONS
Degrees Ratio Percentages
Percentages
45
45 1:1
1:1 100
100
34
34 1:1.5 66
66
26
26 1:2
1:2 50
50
21
21 1:2.5 40
40
18
18 1:3
1:3 33
33
15
15 1:3.5 28
28
14
14 1:4
1:4 25
25
12
12 1:4.5 22
22
1
11 1 1:5
1:5 20
20
10
10 1:5.5 18
18
99 1:6
1:6 16
16
9
9 1:6.5 15
15
88 1:7
1:7 14
14
8
8 1:7.5 13
13-
7*
7 1:8
1:8 12
12
7
7 1:8.5 11
11
6
6 1:9
1:9 11
11
6
6 1:10 10
10
5
5 1:11 9
9
5
5 1:12 8
8
44 1:13 8
8
44 1:14 7
7
4
4 1:15 7
7
4.
4. 1:16 6
6
3
3 '1:17
1:17 6
6
3
3 1:18 5.5
5.5
3
3 1:19 5
5
3
3 1:20 | 5
5

WIT.3000.002.0127
WIT.3000.002.0127
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 18
18
Effective slope
Effective
Upslope
Upslope
OOO
Upslope
Downslope
Downslope
Downslope
2
Site 1 - downsiope
downslope
°OO Site
Site 2 - upslope
upslope
2
o Site 1 - downslope
Site downslope
Site 22 -- upslope
Site upslope
2
Site 1 -- upsiope
° 00 Site 1
Site
upslope
2 - downsiope
Site 2 downslope
LEGEND:
LEGEND:
NOTE:
NOTE: Effective
]
Building site
Effective 'slope' refers

refers to
site
i n n a 1 (elevation)
to the slope
slope under
lot
underthe
Classified
vegetation
the classified
classifiedvegetation
Edge of
Edge
vegetationininrelation
of classified
vegetation
relationtotothe
thebuilding—not the slope
building-not the slope
between the
between the classified
vegetation and
andthe
thebuilding.
building.
FIGURE 2.2
FIGURE 2.2 DETERMINATION
DETERMINATIONOF
OFEFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVEUPSLOPE
UPSLOPE AND
AND DOWNSLOPE
DOWNSLOPE

I
WIT.3000.002.0128
19 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
Step5—Determination
2.2.6 Step 5-Determination of
of Bushfire
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
The determination
The of Bushfire
determination of Attack Level
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) for a site
(BAL) for site using
using Method shall be
Method 11 shall
determined in accordance with the following:
following:
(a) Select the
Select the relevant
relevant table
table from
from Tables 2.4.2
2.4.2 to
to 2.4.5
2.4.5 based on the
the FDI
FDI determined
determined at
at
Clause 2.2.2 (Step 1).
(b) Using the
Using the relevant
relevant table, determine
determine the Bushfire Attack Level
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
(BAL) for
for each
each of
of the
vegetation classifications
vegetation classifications determined
determined at
at Clause 2.2.3 (Step
Clause 2.2.3 (Step 2), the distance
distance from
from the
the
site
site determined
determined at at Clause 2.2.4 (Step
Clause 2.2.4 3) and
(Step 3) and the effective
effective slope
slope determined
determined at
at
4).
Clause 2.2.5 (Step 4).
(c) Select the highest Bushfire Attack Level Level (BAL)
(BAL) obtained from Item Item (b)
(b) above.
above.
NOTES:
NOTES:
11 determination in Tables
The determination Tables 2.4.2,
2.4.2, 2.4.3,
2.4.3, 2.4.4
2.4.4 and
and2.4.5
2.4.5are
arebased.
based on
on input
input values
valuescontained
contained
in Table 2.4.1.
2.4'. 1.
22 AA worked example
example of determining
determining the
the Bushfire
Bushfire Attack
Attack Level
Level (BAL)
(BAL) isisshown
shown ininAppendix
Appendix A A
and is based on inputs contained in Table 2.4.1.
33 Where
Where any
any of the input values contained
contained in Table
Table 2.4.1
2.4.1 are
are not
not appropriate
appropriate for
for the
the site being
assessed, the assessment should adopt the detailed approach given in Appendix B (Method (Method 2).
2).
2.2.7 Step 6-Determination of
Step 6—Determination ofthe
the appropriate
appropriate construction
requirements
Proceed
Proceed totoSection
Section 3 to
3 to determine
determine the the appropriate
appropriate construction
construction requirements.
requirements.

WIT.3000.002.0129
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 20
TABLE 2.3
TABLE 2.3
CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETATION
Vegetation Figure No. in
classification
classification Fig. 2.3 and
Vegetation type
Vegetation Description
(see Tables
(see Figs 2.4(A)
2.4(A)
2.4.2-2.4.5) to 2.4(G)
to 2.4(G)
Trees over 30 inm high; 30-70%
30-70% foliage
foliage cover
cover (may
(may include
include
Tall open
Tall open forest 01
01 understorey ranging from rainforest and
ranging from and tree
tree ferns
ferns to
to low
low trees and
Tall woodland 02 tall shrubs). Found in areas rainfall. Typically
areas of high reliable rainfall.
dominated by eucalypts.
A Trees 10-30
10-30 in
m high; 30-70%
30-70% foliage
foliage cover
cover (may
(may include
include
A Open forest
Open 03
03
Forest understorey of sclerophyllous low trees and tall scrubs scrubs or
or grass).
grass).
Low open
Low open forest 04 dominated by eucalypts.
Typically dominated
Trees
Trees 10-30 in m in height at maturity, generally comprising
comprising Pious
Pinus
Not shown in
Pine plantation
Pine species or other softwood species, planted as
species, planted as aa single
single species
species for
Figure 2.3
the production
production of timber.
timber.
Woodland 05 Trees 10-30 in
Trees m high; 10-30% foliage
foliage cover
cover dominated
dominated by
eucalypts; understorey low trees to tall shrubs
shrubs typically dominated
dominated
Open woodland 06 by Acacia,
Acacia, Callitris or Casuarina.
B
Woodland Low woodland
Low 07 Low trees
Low trees and
and shrubs
shrubs 2-10 in
m high;
high; foliage
foliage cover
cover less
less-than
than 10%.
10%.
Low open
open woodland Dominated by eucalypts and Acacias. Often Often have a grassy
Low 08
understorey or low shrubs. Acacias and Casuarina
Casuarina woodlands
Open shrubland 09 Atriplex shrublands
grade to Atriplex
grade shrublands in the and
arid and
and semi-arid zones.
zones.
Found in wet areas affected
Found affected by poor soil fertility
fertility or shallow soils.
Closed heath 10 Shrubs 1-21-2 in often comprising Banksia,
m high often Banksia, Acacia,
Acacia, Hakea and
Grevillea.
Grevillea. Wet
Wet heaths
heaths occur
occur in sands
sands adjoining
adjoining dunes
dunes of the
C Open heath 11 littoral
littoral (shore) zone. Montane
Montane heaths
heaths occur on shallow
shallow or water-
logged
logged soils.
Shrubland
Shrubs <2
Shrubs <2 min high;
high; greater
greater than
than 30% foliage
foliage cover.
cover. Understoreys
Low shrubland 12 may contain
may contain grasses. Acacia and
and Casuarina
Casuarina often
often dominant in
in the
the
arid and semi-arid zones.
and and
in areas
Found in areas wet enough to support eucalypt trees, which are
enough to are
affected
affected by poor soil fertility or
or shallow
shallow soils.
soils. >30%
>30% foliage
foliage
Closed scrub 13
13
cover. Dry heaths occur in rocky areas. Shrubs 1-2 1-2 in
m high.
high.
D
Typical
Typical of coastal
coastal wetlands.
Scrub
Trees greater
greater than
than 22 m
in high,
high, 10-30% foliage
foliage cover.
cover. Dominated
Dominated byby
Open scrub 14
14 eucalypts or co-dominant
co-dominant Melaleuca
Melaleuca and Myoporum with
and Myoporum with a mixed
understorey.
understorey.
E
E Vegetation dominated by
Vegetation dominated by shrubs
shrubs (especially
(especially eucalypts
eucalypts and
Acacias) with
Acacias) with a multi-stemmed habit; usually greater than 2 in m in
in
Mallee/ Tall shrubland
shrubland is
15
height <30% foliage
height foliage cover.
cover. Understorey
Understorey of widespread
widespread to
to dense
Mulga low shrubs (Acacia) or sparse
sparse grasses.
grasses.
Tall closed forest 16 Trees 10-40 in
Trees m in height; >90% foliage
foliage cover;
cover; understorey
understorey may
may
F Closed forest
forest 17
17 contain a large number of species with a variety of heights.
heights.
Rainforest
Low closed
Low closed forest 18
Low open shrubland 19 All forms, including situations with shrubs and trees, if the
All
Hummock
Hummock grassland 20
20 overstorey foliage
overstorey foliage cover is less than 10%.
G Closed tussock
Closed tussock grassland
grassland 21
Grassland Tussock grassland
Tussock 22
(unmanaged) Open tussock 23
(Appears in Sparse open tussock 24
Table 2.4.4
FDI 50 only
only Dense sown
Dense sown pasture 25
(see Note 1) Sown pasture 26
Open herbfield 27
Sparse open
Sparse open herbfield
herbfield 28
NOTES:
I1 Grassland,
Grassland, although
although classified as unmanaged,
classified as unmanaged, is not
not considered
considered inin the
the Bushfire
Bushfire Attack
Attack Level
Level (BAL)
(BAL) (see
(see Clause
Clause 2.2.3.2),
2.2.3.2),
except in Tasmania.
Tasmania.
2 Overstoreys
Overstoreys of open woodland, low
open woodland, low open
open woodland,
woodland, tall
tall open
open shrubland
shrubland andand low
low open
open shrubland should be
shrubland should be classified
classified to the
the
vegetation type on the basis of their understoreys;
understoreys; others
others to
to be
be classified
classified onon the
the basis
basis of
oftheir
theiroverstoreys.
overstoreys.
33 Vegetation
Vegetation height is the average height of
of the
the top
top of
of the
the overstorey.
overstorey.

WIT.3000.002.0130
wrr.30oo.oo2.oi3o
21 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
GROUP A FOREST
__________
____
TALL OPEN FOREST 01 TALL WOODLAND OPEN FOREST 03 LOW OPEN FOREST 04
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1 0.5 '*Mjiuti|fcrsf'Vt 0.5
4£ *J wwfwr 0.5
0.6 0.S
IBffitf! >f«f* m* $®
OPEN TUSSOCK
TUSSOCK-23
LOW OPEN HUMMOCK CLOSED TUSSOCK
CLOSED TUSSOCK OPEN 23
SHRUBLAND 19 GRASSLAND 20 GRASSLAND 21
21 GRASSLAND 22
m
1m 1 m 1 m
1 m
0.6 O.S 0.6
O.S
JL ftifoiratMi&felMsfl ftfr ^,~r „
SPARSE OPEN DENSE SOWN SOWN PASTURE 26 OPEN HERBFIELD 27 SPARSE OPEN
SPARSEHBRBFtEUOPEN
TUSSOCK 24 PASTURE 25 HERBFIELD 28
NOTE: Refer
NOTE: Refer to Figures 2.4(A) to 2.4(G) for greater vegetation detail.
FIGURE 2.3 CLASSIFICATION

FIGURE CLASSIFICATION OF
OF VEGETATION-SUMMARY
VEGETATION—SUMMARY

illigililitillillilill
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 22
22
40 m 40 m
30 30
20 20
10 10
TALL OPEN
OPEN FOREST A-l
FOREST A-01 WOODLAND A-02
TALL WOODLAND
40 m
15 m
30
10
20 % fy/rv. /f Crl
WfjjMMlifcjj&
9stk"Hp t^m^ Ew&
5
10
1 v \v 1*
FOREST A-03
OPEN FOREST LOW OPEN
OPEN FOREST
FOREST A-04
NOTE: See
NOTE: SeeTable
Table2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE CLASSIFICATION OF
FIGURE 2.4(A) CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETATION=FOREST
VEGETATION—FOREST
I
WIT.3000.002.0132
WIT.3000.002.0132
23 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
40 m
m 40 m
m
30 30
20 20
10 10
WOODLAND B-05
WOODLAND B-05 OPEN WOODLAND
OPEN WOODLAND B-06
B-06
15 m
15 m 15 m
m
10 10
hfgif.
iB
5 5
r if t -4.M * Kiir frr" i i r*

LOW WOODLAND B-07
LOW WOODLAND LOW OPEN
LOW OPEN WOODLAND
WOODLAND B-08
B-08
^jLl^î/jSfijk,
u ,il VI « i Hi
OPEN SHRUBLAND
OPEN SHRUBLAND B-09
B-09
NOTE: See
SeeTable
Table 2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE
FIGURE 2.4(B)
2.4(B) CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF
OF VEGETATION-WOODLAND
VEGETATION—WOODLAND

Australia
WIT.3000.002.0133
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 24
24
2m
2 m
1
.^teîl^
y ^ ^ ^ ^ f f l
XY l7)!rjv\\if)l^\Xkr/plrvwl]^
CLOSED HEATH
CLOSED HEATH C-10
2m
2 m
i jLik A IkJ
1 "- \TVJS\IH/ TWF ki %^sV' JUK'^V^'
OPEN HEATH
HEATH C-11
C-11
2mm
2
LOW SHRUBLAND C-12

NOTE: See
NOTE: SeeTable
Table2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE
FIGURE 2.4(C)
2.4(C) CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF
OF VEGETATION-SHRUBLAND
VEGETATION—SHRUBLAND
© Australia www.standards.org.au
WIT.3000.002.0134
25
25 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
4m 4m
4m
CLOSED SCRUB
CLOSED SCRUB D-13
D-13 OPEN SCRUB D-14
D-14
NOTE: SeeTable
NOTE: See Table2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE 2.4(D)
FIGURE 2.4(D) CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETATION-SCRUB
VEGETATION—SCRUB
4m
TALL SHRUBLAND E-15

E-15
NOTE: SeeTable
NOTE: See Table2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE
FIGURE 2.4(E)
2.4(E) CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF
OF VEGETATION-MALLEE/MULGA
VEGETATION—MALLEE/MULGA

Wrr.3000.002.0135
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 26
26
40 m 40 m
30 30
20 20
10 EM
10
TALL CLOSED
CLOSED FOREST
FOREST F-16 CLOSED FOREST
FOREST F-17
15 m
10
S§§*
$3&£fjj&2r4
3' ^ jHatZZ^SEfcS^xfl/JtlaJ
Hill
rA^yJftW Effi.Yy>
5 jj/JSjSj
k^g^Mn
w<n« lai^mo^
ISHJftSH TO
LOW CLOSED FOREST F-18
F-18
NOTE: See Table
NOTE: See Table 2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE 2.4(F)
FIGURE 2.4(F) CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETATION-RAINFOREST
VEGETATION—RAINFOREST
illivillillillillillil
WIT.3000.002.0136
27
27 AS 3959-2009
3959—2009
2m
2 m 1 m
m
0.5
a yf7 41
JdU
LOW OPEN
LOW OPEN SHRUBLAND
SHRUBLAND G-19
G-19 HUMMOCK GRASSLAND G-20
GRASSLAND G-20
T m 1m
0.5 0.5 T] V*lW'y^Lti'
womomm
CLOSED TUSSOCK G-21
TUSSOCK GRASSLAND G-21 TUSSOCK GRASSLAND G-22
GRASSLAND G-22
1m
m 1m
m
0.5 0.5
0.5
\\lll:
OPEN TUSSOCK
TUSSOCK G-23
G-23 OPEN TUSSOCK
SPARSE OPEN TUSSOCK G-24
G-24
1m'
1m ' 1m
1 m
0.5 0.5
0.5
DENSE SOWN PASTURE G-25

DENSE G-25 SOWN PASTURE G-26
PASTURE G-26
1m
m 1m
m
0.5
0.5 0.5
0.5
.«&^ »*._
OPEN HERBFIELD
OPEN HERBFIELD G-27
G-27 SPARSE OPEN HERBFIELD G-28
HERBFIELD G-28
NOTE: See Table
Table2.3.
2.3.
FIGURE
FIGURE 2.4(G)
2.4(G) CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF
OF VEGETATION-GRASSLAND
VEGETATION—GRASSLAND (UNMANAGED)
(UNMANAGED)
www.standards.org.au @ Standards
WIT.3000.002.0137
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 28
TABLE 2.4.1
2.4.1
INPUT VALUES
INPUT VALUES USED IN MODELLING
USED IN MODELLING
Input name
name Symbol Unit
Unit Values used
used
Vegetation
Vegetation classification -
— -
— Refer to Table B2 of Appendix B
Surface fuel/overall fuel

Surface fuel/overall fuel w/W t/ha Refer
Refer to Table B2 of Appendix B
Vegetation
Vegetation height
Refer to Table B2 of
VH m
in of Appendix
Appendix B
(shrub and heath)
Fuel age
age
age y (years) 20
(Tussock
(Tussock moorland)
moisture factor
Fuel moisture
(Tussock moorland)
moorland)
Mf
Mf -
— 55
combustion
Heat of combustion H kJ/kg 600
18 600
100
Fire Danger
Danger Index 80
FDI —
and Woodlands)
(Forest and Woodlands) 50
40
40
Wind speed
and Heath; Tussock
(Shrub and Tussock V km/h 45
moorland)
Ambient temperature Ta K 308
Relative humidity
Relative RH % 25
All
Allupslopes
upslopes and
and flat
flatland
land(0(0degrees)
degrees) 0
:0
Downslope
Downslope >0
>0 to
to 55degrees
degrees :5
5
Effective slope
Effective slope degrees Downslope
Downslope >5
>5 to
to 10
10degrees
degrees :10
10
Downslope >10
Downslope >10 to
to15
15degrees
degrees 15
:15
>15 to
Downslope >15 to 20
20 degrees
degrees 20
:20
Assumed to
to be
be same as effective
same as slope for
effective slope
slope
Site slope e
0 degrees
developing the prescriptive tables
tables
Flame
Flame width Wf
Wf m
in 100
100
Flame emissivity
Flame e
E -
— 0.95
Flame temperature T K 1090

Determined by the
Determined the algorithm shown
shown in
Flame angle aa degrees
Appendix B
in hh == 0.5I
0.5Lff sina
sina -- d tan0
tang ifif 0.5I
0.5Lfsina>
f sina > d
d tang
tan0
Elevation of receiver
Elevation h m
h = 0 if 0.5Lf sina £5 d tan0
0.5Lf sina tang
in L=
L = 0 if
if dd:5 0.5Lfcosa,
<,0.5Lf cosa, otherwise
otherwise
Path
Path length L m L=
= d-
d - 0.5Lf
0.5If cosa
BAL-LOW
BAL—LOW
BAL-12.5
BAL^12.5
BAL-19
BAL—19
Radiant heat exposure level R8h
R& kW/m2
kW/m2
BAL-29
BAL—29
BAL-40
BAL—40
BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ

111IN111111111
WIT.3000.002.0138
29
29 AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
TABLE 2.4.2
TABLE 2.4.2
DETERMINATION
DETERMINATIONOF
OFBUSHFIRE (BAL)-FDI 100
BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL)—FDI 100(1090
(1090 K)
Bushfire Attack
Attack Levels
Levels (BALs)
(BALs)
Vegetation BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ BAL-40
BAL—40 BAL-29
BAL—29 BAL-19
BAL—19 BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5
classification
classification Distance
Distance (m) of the site from
from the
the predominant
predominantvegetation
vegetation class
class
All upslopes
All upslopes and
and flat
flat land
land(0(0degrees)
degrees)
A. Forest
A. Forest <19
<19 19-<25 25-<35 35-<48 48-<100
B, Woodland
B. Woodland <12
<12 12-<16 16-<24 24-<33 33-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland <10
<10 10-<13 13-<19 19-<27 27-<10Ci
27-<10O
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <7
<7 7-<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <6 6-<8 8-<12 12-<17 17-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <8 8-<l
8-<ll1 11-<16 16-<23 23-<100
Downslope >0
>0 to
to 55 degrees
degrees
A.
A. Forest
Forest <24 24-<32 32-<43 43-<57 57-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <15 15-<21 21-<29 29-<41
29-<41 41-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <11
<11 11-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<100
F.
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <10
<10 10-<14 14-<20 20-<29 '. 29-<100
Downslope
Downslope >5
>5 to
to10
10degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <31
<31 31-<39 39-<53 53-<69 69-<100
B. Woodland
B. Woodland <20
<20 20-<26 26-<37 37-<50 50-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland . <12
<12 12-<17 17-<24 24-<35 35-<100
D. Scrub
D. <8 8-<ll
8-<11 11-<17
l1-<17 17-<25 25-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<23 23-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <13 13-<18 18-<26 26-<36 36-<100
Downsl ope >10 to
Downslope to 15
15 degrees
degrees
A.
A. Forest
Forest <39
<39 39-<49 49-<64 64-<82 82-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <25 25-<33 33-<45 45-<60 60-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <14 14-<19 19-<28 28-<39 39-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100
28-<l00
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <8 8-<ll1
8-<1 111-<18
1-<18 18-<26 26-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <17 17-<23 23-<33 33-<45 45-<l00
45-<100
Downsl
Downslope
ope >15 to
to 20
20 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <50
<50 50-<61
50-<61 61-<78 78-<98 98-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <32 32-<41
32-<41 41-<56 56-<73 73-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <15 15-<21 21-<31 31-<43 43-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100

F. Rainforest <22--d
<22 22-<29 29-<42 42-<56 56-<100
wwW.standards.org.au © Standards Australia
11111111111111110
WIT.3000.002.0139
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 30
30
TABLE 2.4.3
2.4.3
DETERMINATION OF BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
ATTACK LEVEL
LEVEL (BAL)—FDI
(BAL)-FDI 80
80(1090
(1090 K)
K)
Bushfire Attack
Attack Levels
Levels (BALs)
(BALs)
Vegetation BAL=FZ
BAL--FZ BAL---40
BAL—40 BAL-29
BAL—29 BAL-19
BAL—19 BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5
classification
classification Distance (m) of the site from the predominant vegetation
Distance vegetation class
class
All upsiopes
All upslopes and
and flat
flat land
land(0
(0degrees)
degrees)
A.
A. Forest
Forest <16 16-<21
16-<21 21-<31 31-<42 42-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <10 10-<14 14-<20
14-<20 20-<29 29^<100
29=<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <10 10-<13 13-<19 19-<27 27-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <7 7-<9
7-<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <6 6-<8 8-<12 12-<17 . 17-<100
17-<100
Rainforest
F. Rainforest <6 6-<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
Downslope >0 to
to 55 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <20 20-<27 27-<37 . 37-<50 50-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <13 13-<17 17-<25 25-<35 35-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <11 11-<15
ll-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <7 7-<10
7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<l00

20-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <8 88-<11
-<ll 11-<17 17-<24 24-<100
Downslope >5 to
to 10
10 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <26 26-<33 33-<46 46-<61 61-<100
B. Woodland
B. Woodland <16 16-<22
16=<22 22-<31 31-<43 43-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland <12
<12 12-<17 17-<24 24-<35 . 35-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <8 8-<ll
8-<11 11-<17 17-<25 25-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<23 23-<100
F. Rainforest <11
<11 11-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
Downsl ope >10 to 15
Downslope 15 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <33 33-<42 42-<56 56-<73 73-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <21 21-<28 28-<39 39-<53 53-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <14 14-<19 19-<28
19-<28 28-<39 39-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <8 8-<11
8-<ll 11-<18
11—<18 18-<26
18T<26 26-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <14 14-<19 19-<28 28-<39 39-<100
Downslope >15 to 20 degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <42 42-<52 52-<68 68-<87 87-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <27 27-<35
.27-<35 35-<48 48-<64 64-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <15 15-<21 21-<31 31-<43 43-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100
F. Rainforest <18 18-<25 25-<36 36-<48 48-<100

wrr.3ooo.oo2.oi4o
31 AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
TABLE 2.4.4
2.4.4
DETERMINATION OF BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIREATTACK
ATTACK LEVEL
LEVEL (BAL)—FDI
(BAL)-FDI 50
50(1090 K)
(1090 K)
Levels (BALs)
(BALs)
Vegetation BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ BAL-40
BAL—40 BAL-29
BAL—29 BAL-19
BAL—19 BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5
classification Distance (m)
(m) of
of the site from
from the
thepredominant
predominant vegetation
vegetation class
class
All upslopes
All and flat land (0
upslopes and (0 degrees)
degrees)
A. Forest
A. Forest <12
<12 12-<16 16-.<23
16-<23 23-<32 32-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <7 7-<10
7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
C. Shrubland
C. <10 10-<13 13-<19 19-<27 27-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <7
<7 •7-<9
- 7-<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <6 6-<8 8-<12 12-<17 17-<100 .
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <5 5-<6 6-<9 9-<14 14-<l00
14-<100
G. Tussock moorland <7
<7 7-<9 9-<14 14-<20 20-<100
Downslope >0
Downslope >0 to
to 55 degrees
degrees
A.
A. Forest
Forest <14
<14 14-<19 19-<27 27-<38 38-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <9 9-<12 12-<18 18-<26 26-<100
C. Shrubland <11
< !! 11—<15
11-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <7
<7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<100
F. Rainforest
F. Rainforest <6 6-<8 8-<12
8-<12 12-<17 17-<100
Tussock moorland
G. Tussock <8 8-<10 10-<16 16-<23 23-<100
Downslope >5 to
to 10
10 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <18
<18 18-<24 24-<34 34^<46
34-<46 46-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <11
<11 11-<15 15-<23 23-<32 32-<100
C. Shrubland
c.Shrubland <12 12-<17 17-<24 24-<35 35-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <8
<8 8-<ll
8-<11 11-<17 17-<25 25-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<l0
7-<10 10-<15 15-<23 23-<100
F. Rainforest
F. Rainforest <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
G. Tussock
G. Tussock moorland
moorland <9 9-<12 12-<18 18-<26 26-<100
Downslope >10 to
to 15
15 degrees
degrees
A.
A. Forest
Forest <22
<22 22-<30 30-<41 41-<56 56-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <14 14-<19 19-<28 28-<40 40-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <14
<14 14-<19 19-<28 28-<39 39-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <9
<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <8 8-<11

8-<ll 11-<18 18-<26 26-<100
F. Rainforest
F. Rainforest <9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100
G. Tussock moorland
G. <10
<10 10-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100
to 20
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <28
<28 28-<37 37-<51 51-<67 67-<100
B. Woodland
B. Woodland <18 18-<25 25-<36 36-<48 48-<100
C. Shrubland <15 15-<21 21-<31 31-<43 43-<100
D. Scrub <10
<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <12 12-<17 17-<25 25-<35 35-<100
G. Tussock
Tussock moorland
moorland <11
<11 11—<15
11-<15 15-<23 23-<33 33-<100

o___
m en
o
WIT.3000.002.0141
o
w
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 32
32
TABLE 2.4.5
2.4.5
DETERMINATION OF
OF BUSHFIRE .ATTACKLEVEL
BUSOTTRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL)—FDI
(BAL)-FDI 40
40(1090
(1090 K)
K)
Bushfire Levels (BALs)
(BALs)
Vegetation BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ BAL-40
BAL—40 BAL-29
BAL—29 BAL-19
BAL—19 BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5
classification
classification Distance (m) of the site from the predominant
vegetation class
class
All
All upslopes
upslopes and
and flat
flat land
land(0
(0degrees)
degrees)
A. Forest
A. Forest <10 10-<13 13-<20 20-<28 28-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <6 6-<9
6-<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
C. Shrubland
C. <10 10-<13 13-<19 19-<27 27-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <7 7-<9 9-<13
9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <6 6-<8 8-<12 12-<17 17-<100

F. Rainforest <4 4-<5 5-<8 8-<12
8-<12 12-<100
Downslope >0 to
to 55 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <12 12-<16 16-<24
16-<24 24-<34 34-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <8 8-<ll
8-<11 11—<16
11-<16 16-<23 23-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland <11 11-<15 15-<22 22-<31
22-<31 31-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
7-<9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <5 5-<7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<100
Downslope >5 to 10
10 degrees
degrees
A.
A. Forest
Forest <15 15-<20 20-<29 29-<41 41-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <12 12-<17 17-<24 24-<35 35-<100
-35-<100
D. Scrub <8 8-<ll

8-<11 11-<17 17-<25 25-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<23 23-<100

F.
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <6 6-<8 8-<13 13-<19 19-<100
Downslope >10 to
to 15
15 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <19 19-<25 25-<36 36-<49 49-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <12 12-<16 16-<24 24-<35 35-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland <14 14-<19 19-<28
19-<28 28-<39 39-<100
D. Scrub
D. <9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100

8-<ll 11-<18 18-<26 26-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <8 8-<11
8-<ll 11-<16 16-<24 24-<100
Downslope >15
>15 to
to 20
20 degrees
degrees
A.
A. Forest
Forest <24 24-<31 31-<44 44-<59 59-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <15
<15 15-<21 21-<31
21-<31 31-<42 42-<100
C. Shrubland <15 15-<21 21-<31
21-<31 31-<43 43-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub • <10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<31
22-<31 31-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100
F. Rainforest
F. Rainforest <10 10-<14 14-<21
14-<21 21-<30 30-<100
Standards Australia
••i
WIT.3000.002.0142
WIT.3000.002.0142
33
33 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
SECTION
S E C T I O N 33 CONSTRUCTION
C O N S T R U C T I O N GENERAL
GENERAL
3.1
3.1 GENERAL
GENERAL
This
This Section
Section specifies -generalrequirements
specifies -general requirements forforthe
theconstruction
constructionofofbuildings
buildingsfor
for all
Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs).
(BALs).
NOTE: There
NOTE: There are
are a number
number of
ofStandards
Standards that specify requirements
that. specify requirements for construction; however,
where this Standard
Standard does
doesnot
notprovide
provide construction
requirementsforfor aaparticular
particular element, the other
Standards apply.
apply.
The BALs andand the

the corresponding
corresponding Sections
Sectionsfor
for specific construction requirements
specific construction requirements are
are listed
listed
in Table-3.1.
Table 3.1.
TABLE
TABLE 3.1
3.1
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
ATTACKLEVELS
LEVELSAND
ANDCORRESPONDING
CORRESPONDING SECTIONS
SECTIONS FOR
FOR
SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Classified vegetation
vegetation
Bushfire
within 100
100 in
m of the site Description of
Description of predicted
predicted bushfire
bushfire attack
attack Construction
Attack Level
Level
and heat flux
flux exposure
exposure and levels of exposure
exposure Section
(BAL)
thresholds
There is insufficient
insufficient risk to warrant
warrant
BAL-LOW
BAL—LOW See Clause 2.2.3.2 4
specific construction requirements 4
BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5 kW/m2
512.5 kW/m2 Ember attack 3 and 5
Increasing levels of ember attack and
kW/m2
>12 . 5 kW/m2
>12.5
BAL-19
BAL—19
kW/m2
519 kW/m2
burning debris ignited by windborne
windborne and'66
3 and
embers together
together with
with increasing heat flux
flux
kW/m2
>19 kW/m2
BAL-29
BAL—29
kW/ra2
529 kW/m2
burning debris ignited by windborne
windborne 3 and 7
embers together
embers together with
with increasing heat flux
Increasing
2 burning debris
burning debris ignited
ignited by windborne
>29 kW/m2
kW/m
BAL-40
BAL—40 embers together
embers together with
with increasing
increasing heat flux 3 and 8
kW/m2
540 kW/m2
with
with the increased
increased likelihood
likelihood of exposure
to flames
Direct exposure to flames from
from fire front
front
BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ kW/m2
>40 kW/m2 3 and 9
in addition
in addition to
to heat
heat flux
flux and
and ember attack
3.2 CONSTRUCTION.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC STRUCTURES
STRUCTURES
3.2.1 Attached
3.2.1 Attached structures
Where any part
Where any part of a garage, carport, veranda
garage, carport, veranda oror similar
similar roofed
roofed structure
structure is attached to, or
attached to,
shares aa common
shares space with, aa building required
common roof space required to comply with with this
this Standard,
Standard, the
the
entire garage, carport, veranda
veranda or or similar
similar roofed structure shall
roofed structure comply with
shall comply with the
the
construction requirements of
of this Standard, as
as applicable
applicable to
to the
the subject
subject building.
building.
Alternatively, the
the structure
structure shall
shall be separated from
beseparated subject building by
from the subject by a wall
wall that
that
extends
extends to
to the
the underside
underside of
of aa non-combustible roof covering, and
non-combustible roof that complies
and that complies with
with one
one of
of
the following:
the
(a) The wall shall
The shall have
have an FRL of
an FRL of not
not less than 60/60/60
less than 60/60/60 for loadbearing walls and
loadbearing walls and
-/60/60 for
fornon-loadbearing
non-loadbearing walls
wallswhen
when tested
tested from
from the
the attached
attached structure
structure side
side and
and
shall have
have openings
openings protected
protected as
as follows:
follows:
(i) Doorways-by
Doorways—by FRL
FRL -/60/30
-/60/30 self-closing
self-closing fire
fire doors.
doors.

11 111111111111111
WIT.3000.002.0143
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 34
34
(ii) Windows-by FRL /60%

Windows—by FRL -/60/- fire
firewindows
windows permanently
permanently fixed
fixed in
in the
the closed
closed
position.
(iii) Other openings-by
openings—byconstruction
construction with
with anan FRL not less
less than
than-/60/-.
-/60/-.
NOTE: Control
Control and
and construction
construction joints, subfloor vents,
vents, weepholes
weepholes andand penetrations
penetrations for
for
pipes
pipes and
and conduits
conduits need
neednot
notcomply
complywith
with the
theabove
above[Item
[Item(iii)].
(iii)].
or
(b) The wall shall
The shall be
be of
ofmasonry,
masonry, earth
earth wall
wall or
ormasonry-veneer construction with
masonry-veneer construction with the
the
masonry
masonry leaf of
of not less than 90 mm in thickness and shall have openings protected as
not less than 90 mm in thickness and shall have openings protected as
follows:
(i) Doorways-by
Doorways—byFRL
FRL-/60/30
-/60/30self-closing
self-closing fire
fire doors.
doors.
(ii) Windows-by
Windows—by FRL
FRL -/60/-
-/60/-fire
firewindows
windowspermanently
permanently fixed
fixed in
in the
the closed
closed
position.
(iii) Other openings-by construction
Other openings—by construction with
with an
an FRL not less than-/60/-.
less than -/60/-.
NOTE: Control and
NOTE: Control and construction
construction joints,
joints,subfloor
subfloorvents,.
vents, weepholes
weepholes and
and penetrations
penetrations for
pipes and
and conduits
conduits need
neednot
notcomply,
comply,with
with the
the above
above[Item
[Item (iii)].
(iii)].
3.2.2 Garages
3.2.2 Garages and carports
carports below
below the subject
subject building
Where
Where aa garage or carport
garage or carport is below
below a building
building required
required to comply with this
comply with this Standard,
Standard, it
shall
shall comply with the construction
comply with construction requirements of this
requirements of this Standard, as applicable
Standard, as applicable to the
the
subject building.
Alternatively,.any
Alternatively, anyconstruction
constructionseparating
separatingthethegarage
garageoror carport
carport (including
(including walls
walls and
and
flooring systems)
flooring systems)from
fromthe
the remainder
remainderofof the
the building
building shall
shall comply
complywith
with one
one of
of the
the
following:
(a) The separating
The constructionshall
separating construction shallhave
haveananFRL
FRLofof not
not less
less than
than 60/60/60
60/60/60 for
for
loadbearing construction and
loadbearing construction and -160/60
-/60/60 for non-loadbearing
non-loadbearing construction when tested
construction when
from
from the garage
garage or carport side and shall have openings protected
protected in accordance
accordance with
following:
the following:
(i) Doorways-by -/60/30
Doorways—by -/60/30self-closing
self-closing fire
fire doors.
doors.
(ii) Windows-by -/60/-
Windows—by -/60/-fire
firewindows
windowspermanently
permanentlyfixed
fixed in
in the
the closed
closed position.
position.
Other openings—by
construction with
with anan FRL not less than
than -/60/-.
-/60/-.
NOTE: Control and construction
construction joints,
joints, subfloor
subfloor vents,
vents, weepholes
weepholes and
and penetrations
penetrations for
for
need not
pipes and conduits need not comply
comply with the above [Item
[Item (iii)].
(iii)].
or
(b) Where part
Where part or
or all
all of the
the separating constructionisis aawall,
separating construction wall, the
the wall
wall need not comply
need not comply
with Item
Item (a)
(a) above,
above, provided
provided the wall isis of
ofmasonry,
masonry, earth
earth wall
wall or
or masonry-veneer
masonry-veneer
construction with the
construction the masonry
masonry leaf of
of not
not less
less than
than 90
90 mm in in thickness
thickness and
and the wall
wall
has
has openings
openings protected
protected inin accordance
accordancewith
with the
the following:
following:
(i) Doorways-by -/60/30
Doorways—by -/60/30self-closing
self-closing fire
fire doors.
doors.
(ii) Windows-by -/60/-
Windows—by fire
-/60/- windows
fire windowspermanently
permanentlyfixed
fixedininthe
theclosed
closed position.
position.
Other openings—by
construction with an lessthan
an FRL not less than-/60/-.
-/60/-.
NOTE: Control
NOTE: Control and
and construction
construction joints, subfloor vents,
joints, subfloor vents, weepholes
weepholes and
and penetrations
penetrations for
for
pipes and
and conduits
conduits need
neednot
notcomply
complywith
with the
the above
above[Item
[Item (iii)].
(iii)].

Wrr.3000.002.0144
WIT.3000.002.0144
35 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
3.2.3 Adjacent
3.2.3 Adjacent structures
structures
Where anygarage,
Where any garage, carport,
carport, or similar
or similar roofed
roofed structure
structure is not isattached
not attached to a building
to a building requiredrequired
to comply with this Standard,
comply with the entire
Standard, the garage, carport,
entire garage, carport, or
or similar
similar roofed
roofed structure
structure on
on the
the
subject allotment shall comply with the construction
requirements of of this
this Standard.
Alternatively, the
Alternatively, the adjacent
adjacent structure
structure shall
shall be
be separated
separated from
from the
the subject
subject building
building by
by one
one of
of
the following:
following:
(a) A distance
A distance of not less
less than
than 66 in
m from
from the
the building
building required
required to comply
comply with
with this
Standard.
or
or
(b) A wall that extends

extends toto the
the underside of aa non-combustible
underside of non-combustible roof
roof covering and
and has
has an
FRL of not less
less than
than 60/60/60
60/60/60 for loadbearing walls
for loadbearing walls and
and -/60/60 non-loadbearing
-/60/60 for non-loadbearing
when tested
walls when tested from the
the attached
attached structure
structure side.
side. Any openings in the wall
Any openings wall shall
shall be
be
in accordance
protected in accordance with the
the following:
following:
(i) Doorways-by
Doorways—by FRL
FRL /60/30
-/60/30self-closing
self-closing fire
firedoors.
doors.
(ii) Windows-by
Windows—by FRL
FRL -/60/- fire
firewindows
windowspermanently fixed in the
permanently fixed the closed
closed
position.
Other openings—by lessthan
construction with an FRL not less than-/60/-.
-/60/-.
NOTE: Control and
NOTE: and construction joints, subfloor
subfloor vents,
vents, weepholes
weepholes and
and penetrations
penetrations for
for
pipes and
and conduits
conduits need
neednot
notcomply
complywith
withthe
theabove
above[Item
[Item(iii)].
(iii)].
or
(c) A wall
wall that
thatextends
extends to
tothe
theunderside
underside of
of aanon-combustible covering and
non-combustible roof covering and isis of
of
masonry, earth
masonry, earth wall or
or masonry-veneer construction with the masonry
masonry-veneer construction masonry leaf of of not
not less
less
than 90
than 90 mm
mm in thickness.
thickness. Any openings
openings in the wall
wall shall
shall be
be protected
protected in
in accordance
accordance
with the following:
following:
(i) Doorways-by
Doorways—by FRL
FRL -/60/30
-/60/30 self-closing
self-closing fire
fire doors.
doors.
(ii) Windows-by
Windows—by FRL
FRL -/60/-
-1601- fire
firewindows
windowspermanently fixed in the
permanently fixed the closed
closed
position.
Other openings—by construction with an FRL not less lessthan
than-/60/-.
-/60/-.
NOTE: and construction joints, subfloor
NOTE: Control and subfloor vents,
vents, weepholes
weepholes and
and penetrations
penetrations for
for
pipes and
and conduits
conduits need
neednot
notcomply
complywith
withthe
theabove
above[Item
[Item(iii)].
(iii)].
3.3 EXTERNAL
3.3 EXTERNAL MOULDINGS
MOULDINGS
Unless otherwise
Unless otherwise required
required in
in Sections
Sections 44 to
to 9, combustible
combustible external
external mouldings,
mouldings, jointing
strips, trims and
strips, and sealants
sealants may be used
used for decorative
decorative purposes or to cover
purposes or cover joints
joints between
between
sheeting
sheeting material.
3.4
3.4 HIGHER
HIGHER LEVELS OF
OF CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
Construction requirements specified
Construction requirements for a particular Bushfire
specified for Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
(BAL) shall
shall be
be
acceptable for a lower
acceptable for lower level. For example, if the
level. For the site
site has been assessed
has been at BAL-12.5,
assessed at BAL—12.5,
BAL-12.5 construction
BAL—12.5 construction isisrequired;
required; however
however any
any element
element or
or combination
combination of elements
elements
containedBAL—19,
contained BAL-19, BAL—29,
BAL-29, BAL-40BAL—40 andand BAL-FZ
BAL—FZlevelslevelsofofconstruction
construction may
may be
used to satisfy
satisfy this Standard.
Standard.
www.standards.org.au © Standards
Standards Australia
111101111111111111 it
WIT.3000.002.0145
WIT.3000.002.0145
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 36
3.5
3.5 REDUCTION
REDUCTIONIN
INCONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS DUE TO
REQUIREMENTS DUE TO SHIELDING
The construction requirements
requirements forfor the
the next
next lower
lower BAL
BAL than
than that determined
determined for the site
site may
be applied to an
be applied an elevation of
of the
the building
buildingwhere
where the
the elevation
elevation isisnot
notexposed
exposed to
tothe
thesource
source
attack. An
of bushfire attack. Anelevation
elevationisisdeemed
deemed toto be
be not
not exposed
exposed to the source
source of bushfire
bushfire attack
attack
if all
all of
of the
the straight
straight lines between
. between that that elevation
elevation and
and the source
source of bushfire
bushfire attack
attack are
are
obstructed
obstructed byby another
another part
part of the
the building (see Figure
building (see Figure 3.1).
The
The construction requirements for
construction requirements shielded elevation
for a shielded elevation shall be
be not less
less than that
that required
required
for BAL-12.5,
BAL—12.5, except
exceptwhere
wherethe
theexposed
exposed elevations havebeen
elevations have beendetermined
determinedasas BAL-LOW.
BAL—LOW.

rirmre
WIT.3000.002.0146
37
37 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
- Direction of of
Direction fire
fireattack
attack
Walls shielded
Walls shielded from
from fire
fire attack
attack
FIGURE
FIGURE 3.1 EXAMPLES OF WALLS SUBJECT TO SHIELDING
3.1 EXAMPLES

WIT.3000,002.0147
WIT.3000.002.0147
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 38
38
3.6 VENTS,
3.6 VENTS,WEEPHOLES
WEEPHOLES AND
AND GAPS
GAPS
circular probe
Where a circular probe of
of 33mm
mm diameter
diameter isiscapable
capable of
ofbeing
beingpassed
passed through
through external
external vents,
vents,
weepholes or
weepholes or gaps, the vents,
gaps, the vents, weepholes and gaps
weepholes and shall be screened
gaps shall screened as
as specified
specified in
Sections 3,
Sections 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9, except for weepholes from
7, 88 and from the frames of
of windows
windows and
and glazed
glazed
doors.
To determine
determine the maximum aperture size
maximum aperture size of
of screening material, itit shall not be possible
screening material, possible to
pass a circular probe of 2
of 2 mm diameter through the aperture.
Gaps between doors and
between doors and the
the door jambs, heads
door jambs, heads or
or sills (thresholds) shall be as shown
(thresholds) shall shown in
Figure 3.2. Alternatively, gaps shall be protected by draught excluders.
C3.6 Weepholes
Weepholes from the the frames
frames of
of windows
windows and
and glazed
glazed doors
doors and
andthose
those gaps
gaps between
between
doors and door jambs,
doors jambs, heads
heads or sills
sills (thresholds)
(thresholds) that
thatmay
mayexceed
exceed 33 mm
mm (see
(see Figure 3.2)
exempt from screening
are exempt screening because
becausethey
theydodonot
notprovide
provide aa direct passage
passagefor embers to the
for embers the
interior of
interior of the
the building
building or
or building
building cavity.
cavity.

11 I u
WIT.3000.002.0148
39 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
Head
Head Head
May exceed 3mm

May 3 mm r 3mm or less
-3mm less
May exceed
May exceed 3mm
3 mm r I_ 3mm
-3 mm or
or less
less
Door Door
3mm
3 mm or less
less-i I- 3mm or less
-3mm or less 3 mm r gapless
3 mm or less
clear gap
clear gap J_
Sill
(a) Open
(a) Open out (b) Open in
(b)
Jamb Jamb
r 33mm
m m or 3mm or
3mm or-.
less less 1
-
Door TI
-11
May exceed
May
3mm
3 mm
-4---
--I -4- May exceed
May
33mm
mm
(c) Either opening
(c) Either opening in or out
FIGURE 3.2 GAPS

FIGURE GAPSBETWEEN
BETWEENDOORS
DOORSANDAND THE
THE DOOR
DOOR JAMBS,
JAMBS,
HEADS OR SILLS (THRESHOLDS)
(THRESHOLDS)
3.7
3.7 BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE SHUTTERS
SHUTTERS
Bushfire shuttersshall—
Bushfire shutters shall-
(a) be fixed to the building
be building and
and be
be non-removable;
non-removable;
(b) the closed
when in the closed position,
position, have
have no
no gap
gap greater
greater than 33 mm between
between the shutter
shutter and
and
the wall,
wall, the sill or the head;
the sill or the head;
(c) be readily manually operable
operable from
from either inside or outside;
(d) protect the entire window
window assembly
assembly or door assembly;
assembly;
(e) consist
consist of materials
materials specified
specified in
in Clauses 5.5.1, 6.5.1,
Clauses 5.5.1, 6.5.1, 7.5.1,
7.5.1, 8.5.1
8.5.1 and
and 9.5.1
9.5.1 for the
the
relevant BAL;
relevant BAL; and
and
www.standards.org.au @Standards
Australia
AS 3959=2009
AS 3959-2009 40
40
iii
WIT.3000.002.0149
(f) whereperforated,
where perforated,have—
have-
(i) uniformly distributed
distributed perforations
perforations with
with aa maximum
maximum aperture
aperture of 33 mm
mm when the
shutter is
shutter is providing radiant
radiant heat
heat protection
protection or or 22 mm
mm when
when the
the shutter
shutter isis also
also
providing ember
ember protection (such
(such as where the
as where the openable
openableportion
portionofof the
the window
window
is not screened
screened inin accordance
accordancewith
with the
the requirements
requirements of
of the
the respective
respectiveBAL);
BAL); and
and
(ii) a perforated area no greater than 20% of the shutter.
shutter.
If
If bushfire
bushfire shutters
shutters are
are fitted
fitted to
toall
allexternal
externaldoors
doorsthen
then atatleast
leastone
one of
ofthose
those shutters
shutters shall be
be
operable
operable from
from the
the inside
inside to
to facilitate safe
safe egress
egressfrom
from the
the building.
building.
3.8
3.8 TESTING
TESTINGTO
TOAS
AS1530.8
1530.8
Where
Where any any material,
material, element
elementof of construction
construction oror system
system satisfies
satisfiesthe
thetest
test criteria
criteria of
of
AS 1530.8.1,
AS 1530.8.1,forforany
anyBALBAL(BAL—12.5
(BAL-12.5 toto BAL—40)
BAL-40) and and AS
AS 1530.8.2 (BAL-FZ) it
1530.8.2 (BAL—FZ)
satisfies the
satisfies the requirements
requirements of
of that
that BAL.
BAL.
If any
any material,
material, element
element ofof construction
construction or system
system satisfies the test
satisfies the test criteria
criteria without
without
screening
screening for ember protection,
for ember requirements of this Standard
protection, the requirements Standard for screening
screening of openable
openable
parts of windows or doors shall still
still apply.
apply.
3.9
3.9 GLAZING
GLAZING
Glazing requirements shall be
be in accordance with Sections 5 to 9 of this Standard.
in accordance Standard.
1288 for an explanation of the terminologies used
See AS 1288 used to describe
describe various
various types of
of glass
glass
in this
in this Standard.
Standard.

wrr.300o.oo2.oi50
41 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
SECTION
C O N S T R U C T I O N FOR
F O R BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK
A T T A C K LLEVEL
E V E L LLOW
O W (BAL-LOW)
(BAL—LOW)
This Standard
This Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for for buildings
buildings assessed
assessed in in
bushfire-prone areas
areas in accordance
accordance with
with Section 2 as BAL-LOW.
as being BAL—LOW.
There are
NOTE: There are a number
number ofof Standards
Standards that specify
specify requirements
requirements for construction; however,
Standard does
where this Standard does not
not provide
provide-construction
constructionrequirements
requirements for
for a particular
Standards
Standards apply.
The Bushfire Attack

The Attack Level BAL-LOW is based
Level BAL—LOW based onon insufficient
insufficient risk to
to warrant
warrant specific
specific
bushfire construction requirements. It isis predicated
bushfire construction predicated on
on low
lowthreat
threat vegetation
vegetation and
and non-
non-
areas (see Clause
vegetated areas Clause 2.2.3.2).

WIT.3000.002.0151
wrr.30oo.oo2.oi5i
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 42
SECTION
FOR BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK LEVEL 12.5 (BAL-12.5)
A T T A C K L E V E L 12.5 ( B A L — 1 2 . 5 )
5.1
5.1 GENERAL
GENERAL
A building assessedininSection
building assessed Section2 2asasbeing
beingBAL—12.5
BAL-12.5 shall
shall comply
comply with
with Section
Section 33 and
and
Clauses 5.2 to
Clauses 5.2 to 5.8.
NOTE:
NOTE: There
There are number of
are a number of Standards
Standards that specify requirements
that specify requirements for construction; however,
where this Standard
Standard does
doesnot
not provide
requirements for
for a particular element, the other
Standards apply.
apply.
Any element
element of construction
construction or
or system
system that satisfies
satisfies the test
test criteria of AS 1530.8.1
1530.8.1 may be
used in
used in lieu of
of the
the applicable
applicablerequirements
requirements contained
contained ininClauses
Clauses 5.2
5.2toto5.8
5.8(see
(see Clause
Clause 3.8).
3.8).
NOTE: BAL-12.5
NOTE: BAL—12.5 is primarily
is primarily concerned
concerned withwith protection
protection from from
emberember
attackattack and radiant
and radiant heat upheat up
to and kW/m2 where
and including 12.5 kW/m2 wherethe
thesite
siteis is less
less than
than 100100 m from
in from the source
the source of bushfire
of bushfire attack. attack.
5.2 SUBFLOOR
SUPPORTS
This Standard
This Standard does
does not provide
requirements for'for subfloor
subfloor support
support posts,
posts,
columns, stumps, piers and poles.
NOTE: The
NOTE: The exclusion of
of requirements
requirements for subfloor
subfloor supports
supports applies
applies to the
the principal building only
principal building only
and not to verandas,
verandas, decks,
decks, steps,
steps, ramps and landings
landings (see
(see Clause 5.7).
5.7).
C5.2 Ideally, storage

. storage of combustible materials beneath
combustible materials beneathaafloor
floor at
at this
this BAL
BAL would
would not
occur and on this assumption, there is no requirement
assumption, there requirement to enclose the subfloor
enclose the subfloor space
space or
or
to protect
to protect flooring
flooring materials
materials from
frombushfare
bushfire attack.
attack. However,
However, should
should combustible
combustible
materials be stored, itit isisrecommended the area be protected
recommended the protected as materials stored
as materials stored in
in the
the
subfloor space may be
space may be ignited by embers and cause
embers and causeananimpact
impact to
to the
the building.
building.
5.3
5.3 FLOORS.
FLOORS
5.3.1 Concrete slabs
slabs on ground
This Standard does not
Standard does not provide
provide construction requirements
requirements for
forconcrete
concrete slabs
slabs on
on the
the ground.
ground.
5.3.2 Elevated floors
floors
This Standard
This does not
construction requirements for elevated
requirements for floors, including
elevated floors, including
bearers,joists
bearers, joists and
and flooring.
flooring.
5.4 EXTERNAL
5.4 EXTERNAL WALLS
5.4.1 Walls
That part of an
an external wall
wall surface
surface that is less
less than 400 mm from the ground or less less than
400 mm above
400 mm above decks,
decks,carport
carportroofs,
roofs, awnings
awningsand andsimilar
similar elements
elementsoror fittings
fittings having
having anan
angle less
angle less than
than 18
18 degrees
degreestotothe
thehorizontal
horizontaland
andextending
extendingmore
morethan
than110
110mm mmininwidth
width from
the wall
the wall (see
(seeFigure
FigureD3,
D3,Appendix
AppendixD)D)shall
shallbebeof—
of-
(a) non-combustible material; or
(b) fibre-cement external cladding, a minimum of 6' mm in thickness; or
fibre-cement
(c) bushfire-resisting timber
timber (see
(see Appendix
Appendix F);
F); or
(d) a timber
timber species
species as
as specified
specified in
in Paragraph
Paragraph El Appendix E; or
El and listed in Table El, Appendix
(e) a combination
combination of any of Items (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.
© Standards
@ Standards Australia www.standards.org.au
urn
Wrr.3ooo.0o2.0j52
WIT.3000.002.0152
43 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
There are
There are no
no requirements
requirementsforfor external
external wall
wall surfaces 400 mm
surfaces 400 mm oror more
more from
from the
the ground
ground or
for external
external wall
wall surfaces
surfaces 400
400 mm or moremore above
above decks, carport roofs,
decks, carport roofs, awnings
awnings and
and similar
similar
elements or
elements or fittings having
haying anan angle
angle less
less than
than 18
18 degrees to the horizontal and
degrees to and extending
extending
more than
than 110
110 mmmm in
in width from the wall
wall (see
(see Figure D3, Appendix D).
5.4.2 Joints
All joints in
in the
the external
external surface
surface material
material of
of walls
walls shall
shall be
be covered,
covered, sealed,
sealed, overlapped,
overlapped,
backed or
or.buttjointed
butt-jointed to
toprevent
prevent gaps
gaps greater
greater than
than 33 mm.
mm.
face of the frame
Alternatively, sarking-type material may be applied over the outer face frame prior to
fixing any external cladding.
5.4.3
5.4.3 Vents
Vents and weepholes
weepholes
Vents
Vents and
and weepholes in external
weepholes in walls shall be
external walls be screened
screened with
with aa mesh
mesh with
with aamaximum
maximum
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant
corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, except where
aluminium, except where the
vents and weepholes
weepholes are less than
than 3 mm
mm (see
(see Clause
Clause 3.6),
3.6), or
or are
are located
located in
in an external
external wall
wall
of a subfloor space.
5.5 EXTERNAL
5.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED
GLAZED ELEMENTS
ELEMENTS AND
AND ASSEMBLIES
ASSEMBLIES AND
AND EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
DOORS
5.5.1 Bushfire shutters
shutters
Where fitted,
Where fitted, bushfire
bushfire shutters
shuttersshall
shallcomply
complywith
with Clause
Clause3.7
3.7and
andbebemade
made from-
from—
(b) a timber species as specified
specified in Paragraph E1
El and listed in
in Table E1,
El, Appendix E; or
(c) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
(d) combination of any of Items
a combination Items (a), (b) or (c) above.
5.5.2
5.5.2 Windows
Windows
Window assemblies
Window assemblies shall comply with one of the following:
following:
(a) They
They shall
shall be
be completely
completely protected by aa bushfire
protected by bushfire shutter
shutter that
that complies
complies with
with
Clause 5.5.1.
5.5.1.
or
or
(b) They shall

They shall be
be completely
completely protected externallyby
protected externally by screens
screenswithwith aa mesh
mesh with
with aa
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel,
maximum steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
or
(c) They shall
They shall comply
comply with
with the
the following:
following:
(i) For window
window assemblies less than
assemblies less than 400
400 mm
mm from
from the ground
ground or less than 400
less than 400 mm
mm
above decks,
above decks, carport
carport roofs,
roofs, awnings
awnings and and similar
similar elements
elements or
or fittings
fittings having
having an
an
angle less
less than
than 18 degrees
degreesto to the
the horizontal and extending more than 110
horizontal and 110 mm in
width from
from the
the window
window frame
frame (see
(see Figure
Figure D3,
D3, Appendix
Appendix D), window
window frames
frames
and window joinery shall
and window joinery shall be made from one of the following:
made from one of the following:
(A) Bushfire-resisting timber
timber (see
(see Appendix F).F).
or
(B) A timber
timber species
species specified
specified in
in Paragraph E2 and
Paragraph E2 and listed
listed in
in Table
Table E2,
E2,
Appendix E.
or
(C) Metal.
or
111111111 I1Iif
WIT.3000.002.0153
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 44
(D) Metal-reinforced PVC-U. The

Metal-reinforced The reinforcing
reinforcing members shall be made
members shall made from
aluminium, stainless
stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant
corrosion-resistant steel
steel and
and the
the frame
frame and
and
sashshall
sash shall satisfy
satisfy the
the design
design load,
load, performance
performanceandandstructural
structural strength
strengthof
of
the member.
(ii) Externally fitted
fitted hardware
hardware that
that supports
supports the sash in its
sash in its functions
functions of
of opening
opening and
closing shall be
be metal.
(iii) Where
Where glazing is less
less than 400 mm from the
the ground
ground or
or less
less than 400
400 mm above
above
decks,
decks, carport
carport roofs,
roofs, awnings
awnings and
and similar elements
elements or
or fittings having
having an
an angle
angle
less
less than
than 18
18 degrees
degreestotothe
thehorizontal
horizontal and
and extending
extendingmore
morethan
than 110
110mm
mmin in width
width
from the
from the window
window frame
frame (see
(see Figure D3, Appendix
Figure D3, AppendixD),D), the
the glazing
glazing shall
shall be
be
Grade A
Grade A safety glass minimum
safety glass minimum 44 mm,mm, oror glass
glassblocks
blockswith
with no
no restriction
restriction on
on
methods.
glazing methods.
NOTE: Where
Where double
double glazed
glazed units are used
units are used the above requirements
the above requirements apply
apply to the
to the
face of the window
external face assembly only.
window assembly only.
(iv) Where glazing is other
Where glazing other than that
that specified
specified in
in Item
Item (iii)
(iii)above,
above,annealed
annealed glass
glass
may be used.
used.
(v) The openable
The portionsofof windows
openable portions shall be
windows shall be screened with mesh
screened with with aa
mesh with
maximum aperture
maximum aperture of
of 22 mm, made
made of
of corrosion-resistant
corrosion-resistant steel,
steel, bronze
bronze or
aluminium.
5.5.3 Doors-Side-hung
5.5.3 Doors—Side-hung external
external doors
doors (including
(including French
French doors,
doors, panel
panel fold
fold and
and
bi-fold doors)
doors)
Side-hung external
Side-hung external doors,
doors, including
including French
French doors,
doors,panel
panel fold
fold and
and bi-fold
bi-fold doors,
doors, shall
shall
following:
comply with one of the following:
(a) They shall be protected by a bushfire shutter
shutter that complies
complies with Clause 5.5.1.
5.5.1.
or
or
(b) They
They shall be completely
shall be protected externally
by screens
screenswith
with aa mesh with aa
mesh with
maximum aperture
aperture of 22 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium.
aluminium.
or
(c) They shall comply
They shall comply with
with the
the following:
following:
(i) Doorsshall
Doors shallbe—
be-
(A) non-combustible; or
non-combustible;
(B) a
a solid
solid timber door,
door, having
having a minimum
minimum thickness
thickness of
of 35
35 mm
mm for
for the
the first
400 mm above
above the
the threshold;
threshold; or
(C) aa door,
door, including a hollow core
core door,
door, with
with aa non-combustible kickplate on
on
the
the outside
outside for
for the first 400
400 mm
mm above
above the
the threshold;
threshold; or
(D) aa fully framed
framed glazed
glazed door,
door, where
where the framing
framing isis made
made from
from materials
materials
required for bushfire
required bushfire shutters
shutters (see
(see Clause 5.5.1), or from aa timber
Clause 5.5.1), timber species
species
specified in Paragraph
specified Paragraph E2E2 and
and listed
listed in
in Table E2, Appendix
Table'E2, Appendix E.
(ii) Where doors incorporate
Where doors incorporate glazing,
glazing, the
the glazing
glazing shall
shall comply
comply with the
the glazing
glazing
requirements
requirements for windows.
windows.
(iii) Doors shall be
Doors shall be tight-fitting
tight-fitting to the
the doorframe and to
doorframe and to an
an abutting door, ifif
abutting door,
applicable.

WIT.3000.002.0154
45 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
Where any
(iv) Where any part
part of the
the door
door assembly
assembly is less than 400
less than 400 mm
mm fromfrom the ground
ground or
less
less than
than 400
400 mm
mm above
above decks,
decks, carport
carportroofs,
roofs, awnings
awnings and
and similar elements or
similar elements
fittings having
having an
an angle
angle less
less than
than 18
18degrees
degrees to the
the horizontal
horizontal andand extending
extending
more than
more 110 mm
than 110 mm in width fromfrom the
the door
door (see
(see Figure
Figure D3, Appendix
Appendix D), that
that
assembly shall be
part of the door assembly be made
madefrom
fromoneoneof
ofthe
the following:
following:
timber (see
(see Appendix F).
F).
or
(B) AAtimber
timberspecies
speciesspecified
specified ininParagraph
Paragraph E2
E2 and
and listed
listed inin Table
Table E2,
E2,
Appendix E.
or
(C) Metal.
or
Metal-reinforced The reinforcing
reinforcing members shall be
members shall be made
made from
from
aluminium, steel, or
stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant steel and
corrosion-resistant steel and the
the door
door
assembly shall
assembly shall satisfy
satisfy the
the `design
design load,
load, performance
performance and
and structural
structural
strength
strength of the member.
member.
(v) Weather
Weather strips, draught excluders
excluders or
or draught
draught seals
seals shall
shall be
be installed
installed atatthe
thebase
base
side-hung external doors.
of side-hung doors.
5.5.4 Doors-Sliding
5.5.4 Doors—Sliding doors
doors
doors shall
Sliding doors shall comply
following:
(a) They shall be protected
protected by a bushfire shutter that
that complies with Clause 5.5.1.
with Clause 5.5.1.
or
(b) They
They shall
shall be
be completely
completely protected externally by
protected externally by screens with aa mesh
screens with mesh with aa
maximum aperture
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
bronze or aluminium.
or
(c) They shall
They shall comply
comply with
with the
the following:
following:
(i) Any glazing
glazing incorporated
incorporated in sliding
sliding doors
doors shall
shall be
be Grade
Grade A safety
safety glass
glass
complying with AS 1288.
1288.
(ii) There is
There is no requirement
requirement to to screen the openable
screen the part of
openable part of the sliding
sliding door.
door.
However,
However, ifif screened,
screened, the
the screens
screens shall
shall be
be aa mesh
mesh or
or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet made
made of
of
steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium:
aluminium.
NOTE: The
NOTE: The construction
construction of
of manufactured
manufacturedsliding slidingdoors
doors should
should prevent
prevent the
the entry
entry of
embers when the
embers when the door
door is closed.
closed. There
There is is no
no requirement
requirement toto provide
provide screens
screens to
to the
the
openable part of these doors
openable part doors as assumed that
as itit isisassumed that a sliding
sliding door
door will be closed
will be closed ifif
occupants are not
occupants are not present
present or during a bushfire event. Screens
bushfire event. Screens of materials other than
those specified may not resist
resist ember
ember attack.
attack.
(iii) Sliding doors shall be tight-fitting in
in the
the frames.
frames.
5.5.5
5.5.5 Doors-Vehicle
Doors—Vehicleaccess
accessdoors
doors(garage
(garage doors)
doors)
The following apply to vehicle access
access doors:
doors:
(a) The lower portion
portion of a vehicle access door
door that is within 400
400 mm of the ground
ground when
the door is closed
closed (see
(see Figure
Figure D4,
D4, Appendix
AppendixD) D)shall
shallbebemade
madefrom—
from-
(i) non-combustible material; or
non-combustible
(ii) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix
bushfire-resisting Appendix F); or
fibre-cement sheet,
(iii) fibre-cement sheet, a minimum
minimum of
of 6 mm
mm in
in thickness;
thickness; or
or

Standards Australia
iiiniiuiiii!
___In
II
wrr.3dbo.oo2.oi55
AS 3959-2009 46
AS 3959—2009 46
(iv) a timber species specified in Paragraph

species specified E1 and
Paragraph El andlisted
listed in
in Table El,
E1, Appendix E;
or
(v) combination of
a combination of any
any of
of Items
Items (i),
(i), (ii),
(ii), (iii) or (iv) above.
(b) Panel
Panel lift,
lift, tilt doors
doors or
or side-hung
side-hung doors
doors shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with suitable
suitable weather
weather strips,
strips,
draught excluders, draught
draught excluders, draught seals or guide tracks, as appropriate to the door
door type, with
with
a maximum
maximum gap no greater than 3 mm.
(c) Roller doors
Roller doors shall
shall have
have guide tracks with a maximum gap no greater
maximum gap than 3 mm
greater than mm and
shall be fitted
shall be fitted with
with a nylon
nylon brush
brush that
that is in contact with
in contact with the door
door (see
(see Figure
Figure D4,
D).
Appendix D).
(d) Vehicle access doors shall not include ventilation slots.
5.6 ROOFS
5.6 ROOFS (INCLUDING
(INCLUDING VERANDA
VERANDA AND
AND ATTACHED
ATTACHED CARPORT
CARPORT ROOFS,
ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES,
GABLES, GUTTERS' AND DOWNPIPES)
GUTTERS AND
5.6.1 General
following apply to all types of roofs and
The following and roofing
roofing systems:
systems:
(a) Roof tiles, roof sheets and roof-covering accessories
accessories shall
shall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
(b) The roof/wall
The roof/wall junction
junction shall
shall be sealed, to prevent openings greater than 3 mm, either
by the
by the use of fascia
fascia and eaves
eaves linings
linings or by sealing
sealing between the top of of the
the wall
wall and
and
underside of
the underside of the
the roof
roof and
and between
between the
the rafters
rafters at
at the
the line of the wall.
(c) Roof ventilation
Roof ventilation openings,
openings, such
such as
as gable
gable and
and roof
roof vents,
vents, shall
shall be fitted
fitted with
with ember
ember
guards made
guards made ofof non-combustible materialororaa mesh
non-combustible material mesh or
or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aa
maximum
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
bronze oror aluminium.
aluminium.
5.6.2 Tiled roofs
roofs
Tiled roofs shall be
roofs shall befully
fully sarked.
sarked.The
Thesarking
sarkingshall—
shall-
(a) have aa flammability
have index of
flammability index ofnot
notmore
more than
than 5;
5;
(b) be located
located directly
directly below
below the
the roof
roofbattens;
battens;
(c) cover the entire roof area
area including
includingthe
theridge;-
ridge; and
and
(d) gaps that
be installed so that there are no gaps
be that would
would allow
allow the
the entry
entry of embers where the
embers where
sarking meets fascias, gutters, valleys and
and the like.
like.
Sheet roofs
5.6.3 Sheet
Sheetroofs
Sheet roofsshall—
shall-
(a) be fully
fully sarked
sarked in
in accordance
accordance with
with Clause
Clause 5.6.2,
5-6.2, except
except that
that foil-backed
foil-backed insulation
insulation
blankets may be installed over the battens;
battens;
or
or
(b) have any gaps

have greater than 33 mm, under
gaps greater corrugations or
under corrugations or ribs
ribs of sheet
sheet roofing and
and
between roof
between sealed atat the
roof components, sealed the fascia
fasciaor
orwall
wall line and
and at
at valleys, hips and
and
ridgesby—
ridges by-
(i) a
a mesh
mesh or perforated
perforated sheet with a maximum
sheet with maximum aperture of 22 mm, made
aperture of made of
of
bronze or
corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium;
aluminium; or
(ii) mineral wool; or
mineral
(iii) other non-combustible
non-combustible material;
material; or
any of
(iv) a combination of any of Items
Items (i),
(i), (ii) or (iii)
(iii)above.
above.
© Standards
Standards Australia
WIT.3000.002.0156
47 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
5.6.4
5.6.4 Veranda, carport
carport and
and awning
awning roofs
roofs
The following
following apply to veranda, carport
carport and
and awning roofs:
roofs:
(a) A veranda,
A carport or
veranda, carport or awning roof forming
awning roof formingpartpart of
of the
the main
main roof
roof space
space [see
[see
Figure DD1(a),
Figure 1(a),Appendix
AppendixD]D]shall
shallmeet
meetallallthe
the requirements
requirementsfor
for the
the main
main roof, as
as
specified
specified in Clauses 5.6.1, 5.6.2, 5.6.3, 5.6.5
5.6.5 and 5.6.6.
(b) A veranda, carport or awning roof
veranda, carport roof.separated from the
separated from the main
main roof
roof space
space by
by an
an external
wall [see
wall [see Figures
Figures Dl(b)
D 1(b) and
and D1(c),
Dl(c), Appendix
Appendix D] complying
complying with Clause 5.4 shall
Clause 5.4 shall
have a non-combustible roof covering.
covering.
NOTE: There
There is
is no requirement
requirement to line the underside of a veranda, carport or awning roof that is
is
separated
separated from
from the
the main roof space.
5.6.5
5.6.5 Roof
Roof penetrations
penetrations
The following apply
The following applytotoroof
roofpenetrations:
penetrations:
(a) Roof
Roof penetrations,
penetrations, including
including roof lights,
lights, roof
roof ventilators,
ventilators, roof-mounted
roof-mounted evaporative
evaporative
cooling units, aerials, vent
vent pipes
pipes and
and supports for solar collectors, shall be adequately
adequately
sealed
sealed at the roof to
to prevent
prevent gaps
gaps greater
greater than 3 mm.
mm. The
The material used to
material used to seal the
penetration shall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
(b) Openings in vented
Openings in vented roof
roof lights, roof ventilators
lights, roof ventilators or
or vent
vent pipes
pipes shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with
ember guards made
ember guards made from
from a mesh
mesh oror perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with aa maximum
maximum aperture
aperture of
2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel,
steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
(c) All
All overhead
overhead glazing
glazing shall
shall be
be Grade
Grade A
A laminated
laminated safety
safety glass
glass complying
complying with
with
AS 1288.
1288.
(d) Glazed elements
Glazed elements in roof lights and skylights may be of polymer
skylights may polymer provided
provided a Grade A
safety
safety glass diffuser,
diffuser, complying
complying with AS 1288, is installed under the glazing.
glazing. Where
Where
glazing is an insulating glazing unit (IGU), Grade A toughened
toughened safety
safety glass,
glass, minimum
minimum
4 mm, shall be used inin the outer
outer pane
pane of
of the IGU.
IGU.
(e) Flashing elements
Flashing elements of
of tubular
tubular skylights may be
skylights may be of a fire-retardant
fire-retardant material,
material, provided
the
the roof
roof integrity
integrity is
is maintained
maintained by an
an under-flashing of aa material
under-flashing of material having
having aa
flammability index no greater than 5.
flammability
(f) Evaporative cooling
Evaporative cooling units
units shall
shall bebe fitted
fitted with
with butterfly
butterfly closers
closers at
at or near the ceiling
ceiling
level or,
level or, the unit
unit shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with non-combustible coverswith
non-combustible covers withaa mesh
mesh or or
perforated
perforated sheet with aa maximum
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, steel,
aluminium.
(g) Vent pipes made from PVC are permitted.
5.6.6
5.6.6 Eaves linings, fascias
Eaves linings, fascias and
and gables
gables
The following
following apply to eaves linings,
linings, fascias
fascias and
and gables:
gables:
(a) Gables shall comply with Clause 5.4.
5.4.
(b) Eaves penetrations shall be protected for roof penetrations, as specified in
protected the same as for
Clause 5.6.5.
(c) Eaves ventilation
Eaves ventilation openings greater than
than 3 mm
mm shall
shall be fitted with ember guards made
of non-combustible material or a mesh
non-combustible material mesh or perforated
maximum aperture
aperture
of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
eaves linings, fascias and gables may
Joints in eaves may be
be sealed
sealed with
with plastic
plastic joining
joining strips or timber
storm moulds.
construction requirements bargeboards and
for fascias, bargeboards
requirements for and
eaves linings.
eaves linings.

WIT.3000.002.0157
wrr.3006.6b2.6r57
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 48
48
5.6.7 Gutters and downpipes

downpipes
This Standard
This Standard does
doesnot
notprovide
providematerial
materialrequirements
requirementsfor—
for-
(a) gutters, with the-exception
the exception of box gutters; and
and
(b) downpipes.
If installed, gutter and
and valley
valley leaf
leaf guards
guards shall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
Box gutters
gutters shall be non-combustible and flashed
non-combustible and flashed at
at the junction
junction with
with the roof with
with non-
non-
combustible material.
5.7 VERANDAS,
VERANDAS,DECKS,
DECKS,STEPS,
STEPS,RAMPS
RAMPSAND
AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS
5.7.1 General
Decking shall be either spaced or continuous
continuous (i.e., without spacing).
There requirement to enclose
enclose the subfloor
subfloor spaces
spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps
verandas, decks, ramps or
landings.
C5.7.1
CS. 7.1Spaced
Spaceddecking
decking isisnominally
nominallyspaced
spaced at at 33 mm
mm (in
(in accordance
accordance with
with standard
standard industry
industry
practice); however,
however, due
due toto the
the nature
nature of of timber
timberdecking
decking with
withseasonal
seasonal changes
changes in in moisture
moisture
content, that spacing
content, that spacing may
may range
range from
from 0-5
0-5 mmmm during
during service.
service. The
Thepreferred
preferred dimension
dimension forfor
gaps is
gaps is 33 mm
mm(which
(whichisisininline
linewith
with other
other 'permissible
permissible gaps')
gaps) inin other
other parts ofof this
this Standard.
Standard.
It should
should be be noted that recent
recent research studies
studies have
have shown
shown that
that gaps
gaps at
at 55 mm
mmspacing
spacing afford
afford
opportunity for
opportunity for embers
embers to become lodged in
become lodged in between
betweentimbers,
timbers,which
whichmaymaycontribute
contribute toto aa
fire. Larger
Largergap gapspacings
spacings of of10 10mm
mm may preclude this from happening
may preclude happening but but such
such aa spacing
spacing
regime may
may notnot be
be practical
practical for'
for aa timber
timber deck.
deck.
5.7.2 Enclosed
5.7.2 Enclosed subfloor
subfloorspaces
spaces of
of verandas,
verandas, decks, steps, ramps
decks, steps, ramps and
and landings
landings
5.7.2.1 Materials to
toenclose
enclose aa subfloor
subfloor space
space
Standard does not provide construction requirements
requirements for the
the materials
materials used
used to
to enclose
enclose
aa subfloor space
space except
except where
where those
those materials
materials are
are less
lessthan
than400
400mm
mmfrom
from the
the ground.
ground.
Where the materials used to enclose
enclose aa subfloor space
space are
are less
lessthan
than400
400mm
mm from
from the ground,
they shall comply with
with Clause
Clause 5.4.
5.4.
5.7.2.2 Supports
This Standard
This Standard does
does not
not provide
construction requirements for support
requirements for support posts, columns,
columns,
stumps, stringers, piers and
and poles.
poles.
5.7.2.3 Framing
5.7.2.3 Framing
This Standard
This Standard does
does not provide
construction requirements for the framing
requirements for framing of
of verandas,
verandas,
ramps or
decks, ramps or landings (i.e., bearers and joists).
joists).

WIT.3000.002.0158
49 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
5.7.2.4
5.7.2.4 Decking
Decking
This Standard
does not provide construction requirementsfor
construction requirements for decking
decking that
that is more
more than
than
300 mm from
from aa glazed
glazed element.
element.
Decking less
less than
than 300 mm
mm (measured
(measuredhorizontally
horizontally at
at deck
deck level) from glazed
glazed elements
elements that
that
are less
are than .400
less than mm(measured
400 mm (measuredvertically)
vertically)from
from the
the surface
surface of
of the deck
deck (see
(see Figure D2,
Appendix D)
Appendix D) shall
shall be
bemade
madefrom—
from-
non-combustible
(b) bushfire-resisting timber (see
bushfire-resisting Appendix F);
(see Appendix F); or
(c) timber species,
a timber as specified
species, as specified in
in Paragraph
ParagraphEl
E1and
andlisted
listedininTable
TableEl
E1 of
of Appendix
Appendix E;
(d) PVC-U; or
(e) a combination of any
any of
of Items
Items (a), (b),
(b), (c)
(c) or
or (d)
(d)above.
above.
5.7.3 Unenclosed
5.7.3 Unenclosed subfloor
subfloorspaces
spaces of
of verandas,
verandas, decks,
decks, steps, ramps and landings
steps, ramp's landings
Supports
5.7.3.1 Supports
This Standard does not provide
Standard. does provide construction
requirements for support posts, columns,
stumps, stringers, piers and poles.
5.7.3.2
5.7.3.2 Framing
Framing
This
This Standard
Standard does not
not provide
of verandas,
verandas,
decks, ramps or landings (i.e., bearers and joists).
5.7.3.3
5.7.3.3 Decking
Decking
This Standard
Standard does not provide construction requirements for
decking unless
unless it is less than
300 mm from a glazed element.
element.
Decking
Decking less than 300
300 mm (measured horizontally at deck level) from glazed elements
(measured horizontally elements that
that
are less than
than 400
400 mm (measured vertically) from
mm (measured from the surface
surface of the
the deck
deck (see
(see Figure
Figure D2,
D2,
Appendix D)
Appendix D) shall
shallbe
bemade
madefrom—
from-
(b) (see Appendix F); or
bushfire-resisting timber (see
(c) a timber species, as specified Paragraph El and
specified in Paragraph and listed
listed in
in Table El,
Table E l , Appendix E; or
(d) a combination of any of Items (a), (b)
(b) or
or (c)
(c) above.
above.
5.7.4 Balustrades,
Balustrades,handrails or other
handrails barriers
or other barriers
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for
for balustrades,
balustrades, handrails
handrails and
and
other barriers.
5.8
5.8 WATER
WATERAND
ANDGAS
GASSUPPLY
SUPPLY PIPES
PIPES
Above-ground, exposed
exposed water and
and gas
gas supply
supply pipes
pipes shall be
be metal.

II
WIT.3000.002.0159
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 50
SECTION
F O R BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK
A T T A C K LLEVEL
E V E L 19 19 ((BAL-19)
BAL—19)
6.1
6.1 GENERAL
GENERAL
A building
building assessed
assessed inin Section
Section2 2asasbeing
beingBAL—19
BAL-19 shall
shall comply
comply withwith Section
Section 33 and
and
Clauses 6.2
Clauses 6.2 to 6.8.
NOTE: There are
NOTE: are a number
Standards that specify
requirements for
for construction;
construction;however,
however,
this Standard
where this Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for
for a particular element,
element, the other
Standards
Standards apply.
Any
Any element
construction or
or system
system that satisfies
satisfies the test
test criteria of
of AS
AS 1530.8.1
1530.8.1 may
may be
be
used in
used in lieu of the applicable requirements contained in Clauses
of the applicable requirements contained in Clauses 6.2 to 6.8 (see Clause
(see Clause 3.8).
NOTE: BAL—19
NOTE: BAL-19 isisprimarily
primarilyconcerned
concerned with
withprotection
protection from
from ember
ember attack
attack and
and radiant
radiant heat
heat
2 2
greater than 12.5 kW/m
kW/m2 up to and
and including 19 kW/m2.
including 19 kW/m .
6.2
6.2 SUBFLOOR
SUBFLOORSUPPORTS
SUPPORTS
This Standard
This Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements forfor subfloor
subfloor support
support posts,
posts,
columns, stumps, piers and poles.
NOTE: The exclusion
NOTE: exclusion of requirements
requirements forfor subfloor
subfloor supports
supports applies
appliesto
tothe
theprincipal
principal building
building only
and
and not
not to verandas, decks, steps,
steps, ramps
ramps and
and landings (see Clause 6.7).
C6.2 Ideally,
C6.2 Ideally, storage
storage ofofcombustible
combustible materials beneathaafloor
materials beneath floor at
at this
this BAL would
would not
occur and
and on
on this
this assumption,
assumption, there
there is no requirement
requirement to enclose the subfloor
enclose the subfloor space
space or
to protect
protect flooring
flooring materials
materials from
frombushfire
bushfireattack.
attack.However,
However,should
shouldcombustible
combustible
materials be
be stored,
stored, ititisisrecommended
recommended the area be protected as
be protected as materials
materials stored in
in the
the
space may be ignited by embers
subfloor space embers and
and cause
causeananimpact
impactto
to the
thebuilding.
building.
6.3
6.3 FLOORS
FLOORS
6.3.1 Concrete slabs on the
slabs on the ground
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for concrete
concrete slabs
slabs on
on ground.
6.3.2 Elevated
Elevated floors
This Standard
This does not
requirementsfor
for elevated
elevatedfloors,
floors, including
including
bearers,joists
bearers, joists and
and flooring.
flooring.
6.4 EXTERNAL
6.4 EXTERNAL WALLS
WALLS
6.4.1
6.4.1 WaIls
Walls
That part of
of an
an external
external wall
wall surface
surface that
that is
is less
less than 400
400 mm from the ground
ground or or less
less than
400 mm above
400 mm above decks,
decks, carport
carport roofs,
roofs, awnings
awnings and and similar
similar elements
elementsoror fittings
fittings having
having an an
angle less
less than
than 18
18 degrees
degreestotothethehorizontal
horizontalandandextending
extendingmore
morethan
than110
110mmmmininwidth
width from
from
the
the wall (see
(see Figure
FigureD3,
D3,Appendix
AppendixD) D)shall
shallbebemade
madefrom—
from-
(a) non-combustible
non-combustible material; or
(b) fibre-cement external
fibre-cement cladding, aa minimum
external cladding, minimum of 6 mm in thickness; or
(c) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
bushfire-resisting
(d) a timber species, as specified
specified in Paragraph E1
El and listed in
in Table
Table E1,
El, Appendix
Appendix E;
E; or
(e) combination of any of Items
a combination Items (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.

wrr.30oo.oo2.oi60
WIT.3000.002.0160
51 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
This Standard
This Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for external
external wall
wallsurfaces
surfaces
400 mm
400 mm or
or more
more from thethe ground
ground or
or for
forexternal
external wall
wallsurfaces
surfaces 400
400 mm
mm oror more
more above
above
decks, carport
decks, carport roofs,
roofs, awnings and similar elements
awnings and elements oror fittings having
having an
an angle
angle less
less than
than
18 degrees
18 degreestotothe
thehorizontal
horizontal and
andextending
extendingmore
morethan
than 110
110mm mminin width
width from the
the wall
wall (see
(see
Figure D3,
D3, Appendix D).
D).
6.4.2 Joints
All joints in
in the
the external
external surface
surface material
material of
of walls
walls shall
shall be
be covered,
covered, sealed,
sealed, overlapped,
overlapped,
backed, or butt-jointed
backed or butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 33 mm.
mm.
Alternatively, sarking-type
sarking-type material may be applied over the outer
outer face
face of
of the
the frame
frame prior
prior to
to
fixing any
any external
external cladding.
cladding.
6.4.3 Vents and weepholes
Vents and weepholes
Vents weepholes in in external
external walls
walls shall
shall be
be screened
screened with
with mesh
mesh with
with aamaximum
maximum
aperture
aperture of 22 mm,
mm, made
made of
steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium,
aluminium, except
except where
where
they are less
they less than
than 33 mm (see
(see Clause 3.6), or
Clause 3.6), or are
are located
located in
in an
an external wall of a subfloor
external wall subfloor
space.
6.5
6.5 EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL GLAZED
GLAZED ELEMENTS
ELEMENTS AND
AND ASSEMBLIES
ASSEMBLIES AND
AND EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
DOORS
shutters
fitted, bushfire
Where fitted, bushfire shutters
shuttersshall
shallcomply
complywith
withClause
Clause3.7
3.7and
andbebemade
madefrom—
from-
(b) specified in
a timber species, as specified in Paragraph
Paragraph El
El and listed in Table El,
El, Appendix
Appendix E;
E; or
(c) bushfire-resisting
bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
(d) a combination
combination of any
any of Items (a), (b), or (c) above.
6.5.2 Windows
6.5.2 Windows
Window assemblies shall comply with one
one of
of the following:
following:
(a) They
They shall
shall bebe completely
completely protected
protected byby a bushfire
bushfire shutter
shutter that
that complies
complies with
with
Clause 6.5.1.
6.5.1.
or
(b) They shall
They shall be
be completely
mesh with aa
maximum aperture
aperture of 2 mm, made
made of corrosion-resistant
corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
or
(c) They shall
They shall comply
comply with
with the
the following:
following:
(i) For window
window assemblies
assemblies less than 400
less than 400 mm
mm from the ground
ground oror less
less than
than 400
400 mm
mm
above decks,
above decks,carport
carportroofs,
roofs, awnings
awnings andandsimilar
similar elements
elements or or fittings, an
fittings, having an
angle
angle less
less than
than 18
18 degrees
degreestotothe
thehorizontal
horizontal and
and extending
extending more
more than
than 110 mm
mm in
width from
from the
the window
window frame
frame (see
(see Figure
Figure D3, Appendix
Appendix D), windowwindow frames
frames
and
and window
window joinery, be made
joinery, shall be madefrom
from one
oneofofthe
the following:
following:
timber (see
(see Appendix F).
F).
or
(B) A A
timber species,
timber species,asasspecified
specifiedininParagraph
Paragraph E2
E2 and
and listed
listed inin Table
Table E2,
E2,
Appendix E.
E.
or
(C) Metal.
or
www.standards.org.au @ Standards
Australia
•
ININIIIII
WIT.3000.002.0161
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 52

Metal-reinforced The reinforcing members
members shall bebe made
made from
aluminium, stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant
steel and
and the frame
frame and
and
the sash shall satisfy
sash shall satisfy the design load, performance and
and structural
structural strength
strength
of the
of the member.
member.
fitted hardware
hardware that
that supports the sash
supports the sash in
in its functions
functions of opening
opening and
and
shall be
closing, shall be metal.
(iii) Where
Where glazing is less thanthan 400 mmmm from the ground or or less
less than
than 400 mm above
decks, carport
roofs, awnings
awnings andand similar
similar elements
elements or
or fittings, having
having an
an angle
angle
less
less than
than 18
18 degrees
degreestotothe
thehorizontal
horizontaland
andextending
extendingmore
morethanthan 110
110mm
mmininwidth
width
from the window
from window frame
frame (see
(see Figure D3, Appendix
Figure D3, D), the glazing
Appendix D), glazing shall
shall be
be
toughened glass,
toughened glass,minimum
minimum 55 mm,mm, oror glass
glassblocks
blocks with
with no restriction on
on glazing
glazing
methods.
methods.
NOTE: Where
Where double-glazed
double-glazedunits
units are
are used,
used, the above requirements
the above requirements apply
apply to the
to the
face of the window
external face assembly only.
window assembly
(iv) Where glazing is other than

Where glazing than that specified
specified in
in Item
Item (iii)
(iii)above,
above,annealed
annealed glass
glass
may be used. Where annealed glass used, the fixed
glass is fixed and
and openable
openable portions
portions of
windows shall
windows shall be screened
screened externally
externally with a mesh with a maximum aperture
aperture of
of
2 mm, made
made of
corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium.
(v) Where
Where toughened
toughened glass used, the
glass is used, the openable
openable portions
portions of windows
windows shall be
be
screened internally or
screened internally or externally
externally with
with aa mesh
mesh with aa maximum
maximum aperture
aperture of
2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium.
aluminium.
(vi) Glazed elements
Glazed elements that
that are designed to. take
take internal
internal screens
screens shall use toughened
toughened
. glass and
and the openable portion shall be screened
screened in such
such aa way
way to
to have
have no
no gaps
gaps
greater
greater than 3 mm in diameter. Screening material shall be a mesh with a
than 3 mm in diameter. Screening material shall be a mesh with
maximumaperture
maximum apertureofof 22 mm,
mm, made
made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or
or
aluminium.
6.5.3 Doors—Side-hung external
external doors
doors (including
(including French
French doors,
doors, panel
panel fold and
and
bi-fold doors)
doors)
Side-hung external doors, including
including French
French doors,
doors, panel
panel fold
fold and
and bi-fold
bi-fold doors,
doors, shall
shall
(a) They shall be protected by a bushfire shutter that complies
They complies with
with Clause
Clause 6.5.1.
6.5.1.
or
(b) They
They shall
shall be
be completely
mesh with
with a
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel,
maximum aperture steel, bronze
aluminium.
or
(c) They shall
shall comply
comply with
with the
the following:
following:
(i) Doorsshall
Doors shallbe—
be-
non-combustible;
(B) a solid timber door, having a minimum thickness of 35
minimum thickness 35 mm for the first
first
400 mm above the threshold; or
(C) door, including
a door, including a hollow
hollow core
core door,
door, with
with a non-combustible
non-combustible kickplate
kickplate on
on
the outside for the first 400 mm above the threshold; or
(D) a fully-framed glazed door,
fully-framed glazed door, where
where the framing
framing isis made
made from
from materials
materials
specified for
specified for bushfire
bushfire shutters
shutters (see Clause
Clause 6.5.1).
(ii) Where doors
Where doors incorporate
incorporate glazing,
glazing,the
the glazing
glazing shall
shall be
be toughened
toughened glass
glass
minimum 55 mm.
O Standards Australia
© www.standards.org.au
WIT.3000.002.0162
53 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
(iii) Doors shall be

Doors shall be tight-fitting
tight-fitting to
to the
the doorframe and to
doorframe and to an
an abutting door, ifif
abutting door,
applicable.
(iv) Where the
the doorframe
doorframe is less than
than 400 mm from thethe ground
ground or
or less
less than
than 400
400 mm
mm
above decks, carport
above decks, carportroofs,
roofs, awnings
awnings and
and similar
similar elements
elements oror fittings
fittings having an
an
angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and
angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending more than
than 110 mm in
in
width from
from thethe door
door (see
(see Figure D3, Appendix D) D) the
the doorframe
doorframe shall
shall be
be made
made
from one
one ofof the
the following:
following:
(A) Bushfire-resisting
Bushfire-resisting timber (see
(see Appendix
Appendix F).
or
or.
(B) A timber species,
species, as
as specified Paragraph E2 and
in Paragraph
specified in and listed
listed in
in Table
Table E2,
E2,
E.
Appendix E.
or
(C) Metal.
or
Metal-reinforced The reinforcing members
members shall be made
made from
aluminium,
aluminium, stainless steel, or
stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant steel and
corrosion-resistant steel and the
the door
door
assembly shall
assembly satisfy the
shall satisfy the design
design load,
load, performance
performance and
and structural
structural
of the
member.
(v) Weather
Weather strips, draught excluders or draught
draught seals
seals shall
shall be
be installed
installed at
at the
the base
base
of side-hung external doors.
doors.
6.5.4 Doors-Sliding
doors
Sliding doors shall comply
doors shall comply with
with one
one of
of the
the following:
following:
(a) They shall
They shall bebe completely
shutter that
that complies with
complies with
Clause 6.5.1.
or
(b) They
They shall
shall be
be completely
completely protected externally by
protected externally by screens with aa mesh
screens with mesh with aa
maximum aperture
made of corrosion-resistant steel,
steel, bronze
aluminium.
or
(c) They shall comply
with the
the following:
(i) Any glazing
glazing incorporated
incorporated in sliding
sliding doors
doors shall
shall be
be toughened
toughened glass, minimum
glass, minimum
mm.
5 mm.
(ii) There is
requirement to to screen
screen the the openable part of
openable part of the
the sliding
sliding door.
door.
However, if
However, if screened,
screened, thethe screens
screens shallshall be
be mesh
mesh or perforated
perforated sheet made of
sheet made of
corrosion-resistant
steel, bronze
NOTE: The
The construction
construction of manufactured sliding
of manufactured sliding doors
doors should
should prevent
preventthethe entry
entry of
embers
emberswhen
whenthe the door
door is closed. There
is closed. There is is no requirement
requirement to provide screens
screens toto the
openable
openablepart
partofofthese
thesedoors
doorsasasititisis assumed
assumedthat thataasliding
slidingdoor
doorwill
will be
be closed
closed if
if
occupants are
occupants are not
not present
present or
or during event. Screens
during a bushfire event. Screens of materials
materials other than
those specified
specified may not resist ember attack.
(iii) Sliding doors
doors shall
shall be
betight-fitting
tight-fitting in
in the
the frames.
frames.
6.5.5 Doors-Vehicle
6.5.5 Doors—Vehicleaccess
accessdoors
doors (garage
(garage doors)
The following apply to vehicle access doors:
(a) The lower
The lower portion
portion of
of a vehicle
vehicle access
access door
door that
that is within 400 mm of the ground
ground when
the door is closed
closed (see
(see Figure
Figure D4,
D4,Appendix
AppendixD) D)shall
shallbebemade
madefrom—
from-

Ill-" 1
WIT.3000.002.0163
Wrr.3000.002.0163
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 54

non-combustible
(ii) bushfire-resisting
bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F);
(iii) fibre-cement
fibre-cement sheet,
sheet, aaminimum
minimum of of 6 mm
mm in thickness; or
(iv) a timber
timber species,
species, asas specified
specified inin Paragraph El and
Paragraph El and listed
listed in Table
TableEEl,
1,
Appendix E; or
(v) a combination of any
any of Items (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above.
of Items
(b) Panel lift,
Panel lift, tilt doors
doors or
or side-hung
side-hung doors shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with suitable
suitable weather
weather strips,
strips,
draught excluders,
draught seals
seals or guide
guide tracks, as appropriate to the door type, with
a maximum
maximum gap no greater than 33 mm. mm.
(c) Roller doors shall have guide tracks with a maximum
Roller doors maximum gap no greater than 3 mm and
shall be fitted
shall be fitted with aa nylon
nylon brush
brush that
that is
is in
incontact
contact with
withthe
thedoor
door(see
(seeFigure
Figure D4,
D4,
Appendix D).
6.6
6.6 ROOFS
ROOFS (INCLUDING
(INCLUDING VERANDA
VERANDA AND
AND ATTACHED
ATTACHED CARPORT
CARPORT ROOFS,
ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS
GUTTERS AND
AND DOWNPIPES)
6.6.1 General
The following apply
apply to
to all
alltypes
types of
ofroofs
roofs and
and roofing
roofing systems:
systems:
(a) Roof tiles, roof
roof sheets accessories shall be non-combustible.
sheets and roof-covering accessories
(b) The roof/wall
junction shall
shall be
be sealed,
sealed, to prevent openings greater thanthan 3 mm, either
fascia and
and eaves or by sealing between
eaves linings or top of the wall and
between the top and
the underside of the roof and between
between the rafters
rafters at the line of
of the wall.
(c) Roof
openings, such
such as and roof vents,
as gable and vents, shall
shall be fitted
fitted with
with ember
ember
guards made of non-combustible materialoror aa mesh
or perforated sheet with
perforated sheet with a
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel,
maximum steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
6.6.2 Tiled roofs
roofs
Tiled roofs shall
Tiled roofs shallbe
befully
fullysarked.
sarked.The
Thesarking
sarkingshall—
shall-
(a) flammability index of not more than 5, when tested
have a flammability tested to
to AS
AS 1530.2;
1530.2;
(b) located directly below the roof battens;
be located
(c) cover the
cover the entire
entire roof area including the
the ridge;
ridge; and
(d) be installed
installed so that there are no gaps that would allow the entry
entry of embers where the
embers where
sarking meets
sarking meets fascias,
fascias, gutters,
gutters, valleys
valleys and
and the
the like.
6.6.3 Sheet
Sheet roofs
Sheetroofs
Sheet roofsshall—
shall-
(a) be fully
fully sarked
sarked in
in accordance
accordance with
with Clause
Clause 6.6.2,
6.6.2, except
except that
thatfoil-backed
insulation
or
(b) have any
have any gaps
gaps greater
greaterthan
than 33mm
mm under
under corrugations
corrugationsor or ribs
ribs of sheet roofing and
sheet roofing and
betweenroof
between roof components
componentssealed
sealedatatthe
thefascia
fasciaororwall
wall line
line and at valleys,
and at valleys, hips
hips and
and
ridges by-
ridges by—
(i) aa mesh
mesh or perforated sheet with
maximum aperture of 22 mm,
aperture of mm, made
made of
corrosion-resistant steel,bronze
bronzeor
oraluminium;
aluminium; or
or
(ii)
mineral wool; or
O
© Standards
StandardsAustralia
WIT.3000.002.0164
55 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009

(iv) aa combination
combination of
of any
anyof
ofItems
Items(i),
(i), (ii),
(ii), or (iii)
(iii)above.
above.
6.6.4
6.6.4 Veranda,
Veranda, carport
carportand
and awning
awning roofs
roofs
The following apply
The following applytotoveranda,
veranda, carport
carport andand awning
awning roofs:
roofs:
(a) A veranda,
A veranda, carport or awning
carport or roof forming
awning roof forming part
part of
of the
the main
main roof
roof space
space [see
[see
Figure DD1(a),
AppendixD]D]shall
shallmeet
meetallallthe
the requirements
requirementsforfor the
the main
main roof,
roof, as
as
specified in Clauses 6.6.1, 6.6.2, 6.6.3, 6.6.5 and 6.6.6.
specified 6.6.6.
(b) A veranda, carport
carport or awning
awning roof separated from the main roof space by an external
wall [see
[see Figures
FiguresDD I1(b)
(b) and D I (c), Appendix
Dl(c), Appendix D]D] complying
complying with
with Clause 6.4 shall
Clause 6.4 shall
have a non-combustible roof covering.
covering.
NOTE: There
requirement to line the underside of aa veranda,
veranda, carport or awning roof that is
separate from the main roof space.
6.6.5 Roof
6.6.5 Roof penetrations
penetrations
Thefollowing
The following apply
applytotoroof
roofpenetrations:
penetrations:
(a) Roof
Roof penetrations,
penetrations, including roof lights, roof
including roof roof ventilators,
evaporative
cooling units, aerials, vent pipes and supports for solar
solar collectors
collectors shall be adequately
adequately
sealed at
sealed at the roof to prevent
prevent gaps greater
greater than 3 mm. The material
mm. The material used
used to
to seal
seal the
penetration shall
shall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
roof lights,
lights, roof
roof ventilators
ventilators or
or vent
vent pipes
pipes shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with
ember guards made
from a mesh
mesh or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aa maximum
maximum aperture
aperture of
2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel,
steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
(c) All overhead
All overhead glazing
glazing shall
shall be
be Grade
Grade A
A laminated
laminated safety
safety glass
glass complying
complying with
with
AS 1288.
(d) Glazed elements in roof
Glazed elements roof lights
lights and skylights may be ofof polymer
polymer provided
provided a Grade A
safety
diffuser, complying with AS 1288,
complying with 1288, is installed
installed under
under the glazing.
glazing. Where
Where
glazing is an
glazing is an insulating
insulating glazing
glazing unit (IGU),
(IGU), Grade
Grade A A toughened safety glass
toughened safety glass of
of
minimum 4 mm shall be used in the outer pane of
minimum of the IGU.
IGU.
(e) Flashing elements
Flashing elements of
of tubular
tubular skylights
skylights may
may be of aa fire-retardant
fire-retardant material, provided
the
the roof
roof integrity is maintained
integrity is by an
maintained by an under-flashing of a material
under-flashing of material having
having aa
flammability index no greater than 5.
flammability
units shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with butterfly closers at
butterfly closers at or near the ceiling
ceiling
level, or
level, or the
the unit
unit shall
shall be
befitted
fitted with
withnon-combustible
non-combustible covers with a mesh
covers with mesh oror
perforated sheet
maximum aperture of 2 mm, mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel,
steel,
aluminium.
6.6.6
6.6.6 Eaves
Eaves linings,
linings, fascias
fascias and
and gables
gables
The following
following apply to eaves linings, fascias and
and gables:
gables:
(a) Gables shall comply with Clause 6.4.
(b) Eaves penetrations shall be protected
protected the same as for roof penetrations, as specified in
Clause 6.6.5.
(c) Eaves ventilation
Eaves ventilation openings greater than
openings greater than 3 mm shall be fitted with ember guards made
non-combustible material
of non-combustible material or
or a mesh
mesh or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with a maximum
maximum aperture
aperture
of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant
Joints in
Joints in'eaves
eaves linings, fascias and gables may be sealed with plastic joining strips or timber
storm moulds.
This
This Standard
Standard does not
not provide
requirements for
for fascias,
fascias, bargeboards
bargeboards and
and
eaves linings.
linings.
WIT.3000.002.0165
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 56

downpipes
providematerial
materialrequirements
requirementsfor—
for-
(a) gutters, with the exception of box gutters; and
and
(b) downpipes.
If installed, gutter and valley leaf guards
guards shall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
Box gutters
Box gutters shall
shall be non-combustible and flashed
at the junction
junction with
with the roof with
with non-
non-
6.7 VERANDAS,
6.7 VERANDAS,DECKS,
DECKS,STEPS,
STEPS,RAMPS
RAMPSAND
AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS
6.7.1 General
Decking shall
Decking shall be
be either
either spaced
spaced or continuous
continuous (i.e., without spacings).
There
requirement to enclose
enclose the subfloor
subfloor spaces of verandas,
verandas, decks, steps, ramps or
landings.
C6.7.1 Spaced
C6.7.1 Spaced decking
decking is is nominally
nominally spaced
spaced at 3 mmmm (in accordance
accordance withwith standard
standard industry
practice); however,
howeyer, due
due to to the
the nature
nature ofof timber
timber decking
decking with
withseasonal
seasonal changes
moisture
content, that
spacing maymay range
range from
from 0—5
0-5 mm mmduring
duringservice.
service.The
Thepreferred
preferreddimension
dimensionforfor
gaps
gaps is 33 mm
mm (which
(which isis in
in line
line with other `permissible gaps) in
'permissible gaps') in other
other parts
parts' of
of this
this Standard.
Standard.
It should
It should be
be noted that
that recent
recent research
research studies have shown
shown that gaps
gaps atat 5 mm
mm spacing
spacing afford
afford
opportunity for
embers to to become lodged in between
become lodged timbers, which
between timbers, which may
may contribute
contribute to aa
fire. Larger
Largergap
gapspacings
spacings ofof10 10mmmm maymay preclude
preclude this
this from
from happening
happening butbut such
such aa spacing
spacing
regime
regime may
may not
not be
bepractical
practical for for aa timber
timber deck.
deck.
Enclosed subfloor spaces
6.7.2 Enclosed spaces of verandas, decks, steps,
steps, ramps
ramps and landings
landings
toenclose
enclose aa subfloor
subfloor space
space
Standard does not provide construction
requirements for
for the
the materials
materials used
used to
to enclose
enclose
space except where those
a subfloor space those materials
materials are
are less
less than
than 400
400 mmmm from
from the ground.
Where the materials used to enclose
enclose aa subfloor space are
subfloor space are less
less than
than400
400mm
mm from
from the ground,
they shall comply with
with Clause
Clause 6.4.
6.4.
supports
6.7.2.2 Subfloor supports
This
This Standard
Standard does not
not provide
requirements for
for subfloor
subfloor support
support posts,
posts,
columns, stumps, stringers, piers and
and poles.
poles.
6.7.2.3 Framing
Framing
This Standard
This Standard does
does not provide
requirements for. framing of
of verandas,
verandas,
ramps or
decks, ramps or landings
landings (i.e., bearers and joists).
joists).
6.7.2.4 Decking
6.7.2.4 Decking
This Standard
This does not
provide construction requirements for
decking that
that is more than
than
Decking less than 300 mm (measured
(measured horizontally at deck
deck level)
level) from
from glazed
glazed elements
elements that
that
are less
are less than 400 mm
mm (measured vertically) from
(measured vertically) from the
the surface
surface of the deck
deck (see
(see Figure
Figure D2,
Appendix
Appendix D)D)shall
shallbe
bemade
madefrom—
from-
(b) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F);
bushfire-resisting F); or
(c) timber species,
a timber species, as
as specified
specified in
inParagraph
ParagraphEl
El and
and listed
listed in
in Table
TableEl,
El, Appendix
Appendix E;
E;or
or
© Standards
Standards Australia
WIT.3000.002.0166
57 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
(d) a combination of any

any of
of Items
Items (a),
(a), (b),
(b), or
or (c)
(c)above.
above.
6.7.3 Unenclosed
subfloorspaces
spaces of
ofverandas,
verandas, decks,
decks, steps,
landings
6.7.3.1 Supports
Supports
This Standard
This Standard does not not provide
requirements for support
support posts,
posts, columns,
columns,
and poles.
6.7.3.2
6.7.3.2 Framing
Framing
This
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide
construction requirements for the
requirements for the framing
framing of
of verandas,
verandas,
ramps or landings
decks, ramps landings (i.e.,
(i.e.; bearers
bearers and
and joists).
joists).
6.7.3.3
6.7.3.3 Decking
Decking
This
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for,: decking that
for decking that is more
more than
than
element.
Decking
Decking less than 300 mm (measured horizontally at deck level)
level) from-glazed
from glazed elements that
are less than
than 400
400 mm
mm (measured vertically) from
(measured vertically) from the surface
surface of the
the deck
deck (see
(see Figure
Figure D2,
D2,
Appendix
Appendix D)D)shall
shallbe
bemade
madefrom—
from-
(a) non-combustible material;
material; or
(b) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
bushfire-resisting
(c) a timber species,
species, as
as specified
specified in
in Paragraph
Paragraph E1
El and
and listed
listed in
in Table
Table E1,
El, Appendix
Appendix E;
E; or
(d) a combination of any of Items (a), (b), or (c) above.
6.7.4 Balustrades, handrails or
Balustrades, handrails or other
other barriers
This Standard
not provide
requirements for balustrades,
balustrades, handrails
handrails and
and
other barriers.
6.8 WATER
6.8 WATERAND
AND GAS
GAS SUPPLY
SUPPLY PIPES
PffES
Above-ground, exposed water and gas supply pipes shall be metal.
www:atandatds.org.au
www.standards.org.au © Standards
Standards Australia
WIT.3000.002.0167
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 58
SECTION
F O R BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK
A T T A C K LLEVEL
E V E L 29 29((BAL-29)
BAL — 2 9 )
7.1
7.1 GENERAL
GENERAL
A building
building assessed
assessed inin Section
Section2 2asasbeing
beingBAL—29
BAL-29 shall
shall comply
comply with with Section
Section 3 and
and
Clauses
Clauses 7.2 to 7.8.
NOTE: There
NOTE: There are
are a number
Standards that
that specify
requirements forfor construction;
construction; however,
however,
where this Standard
Standard does
doesnot
notprovide
requirementsforfor aa particular element, the
other
Standards apply.
Any
Any element
construction or
or system
system that
that satisfies
satisfies the test
test criteria of
of AS
AS1530.8.1
1530.8.1 may
may be
be
used
used in lieu
lieu of
of the
the applicable
applicablerequirements
requirementscontained
containedininClauses
Clauses7.27.2toto7.8
7.8(see
(seeClause
Clause 3.8).
3.8).
NOTE: BAL—29
NOTE: BAL-29 isisprimarily
primarilyconcerned
concerned with
withprotection
protection from
from ember
ember attack
attack and
and radiant
radiant heat
heat
2 2
greater than 19 kW/m2
kW/m up to and including
including29
29kW/m2.
kW/m .
7.2 SUBFLOOR
SUPPORTS
construction requirements for subfloor supports
requirements for supports where
where the
subfloor space
subfloor spaceisisenclosed
enclosedwith—
with-
(a) a wall that complies with Clause
Clause 7.4; or
(b) aa mesh
perforated sheet
sheet with
with a maximum
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made
aperture of made of corrosion-
corrosion-
resistant
resistant steel,
steel,bronze
bronzeor
oraluminium;
aluminium; or
(c) aa combination
combination of Items (a)
(a) and
and (b)
(b) above.
above.
Where the
the subfloor space
space is unenclosed,
unenclosed, the support
support posts,
posts, columns,
columns, stumps,
stumps, piers
piers and
and poles
poles
shall be-
shall be—
(i) of non-combustible material; or
(ii) of bushfire-resisting
(iii) a combination
combination of of Items
Items (i) and
and (ii)
(ii)above.
above.
NOTE: This
NOTE: This requirement
requirement applies to the principal
principal building
buildingonly
onlyand
andnot
nottotoverandas,
verandas,decks,
decks, steps,
steps,
landings (see
ramps and landings (see Clause 7.7).
7.7).
C7.2 Combustible
C7.2 Combustible materials
materials stored
stored in
inthe
thesubfloor
subfloor space
space may
may be
be ignited
ignited by
byembers
embers and
and
cause an
cause an impact
impact to
to the
the building.
building.
7.3
7.3 FLOORS
FLOORS
slabs on
7.3.1 on ground
ground
This Standard
does not provide construction
requirements for
for concrete
concrete slabs
slabs on
on ground.
ground.
7.3.2 Elevated
Elevated floors
7.3.2.1 Enclosed
Enclosed subfloor space
space
This Standard
This Standard does
does not provide
requirements forfor elevated
elevated floors,
floors, including
including
bearers,joists
bearers, joists and
andflooring,
flooring,where
wherethe
thesubfloor
subfloorspace
spaceisisenclosed
enclosedwith—
with-
(a) a wall that complies with
with Clause 7.4; or
(b) a mesh
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aamaximum
maximum aperture
aperture of
of 22 mm,
mm, made
made of
ofcorrosion-
corrosion-
resistant steel, bronze or aluminium; or
(c) a combination
combination of Items (a) and (b) above.

im
WIT.3000.002.0168
59 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
7.3.2.2 Unenclosed subfloor

Unenclosed space
subfloor space
Where the
Where subfloor space
the subfloor space is unenclosed,
unenclosed, flooring material, including
flooring material, including bearers,
bearers, joists and
and
flooring less than 400
less than 400 mm
mm above
abovefinished
finishedground
groundlevel,
level,shall
shallbe—
be-
(a) non-combustible (e.g., concrete,
concrete, steel); or
of bushfire-resisting Appendix F);
or
(c) particleboard or plywood
particleboard or plywood flooring where
where the underside
underside is lined
lined with
with sarking-type
sarking-type
material or mineral
material or mineral wool
wool insulation;
insulation; or
(d) a system
systemcomplying
complying with
with AS 1530.8.1; or
1530.8.1; or
(e) a combination
combination of any of Items (a),
(a), (b),
(b), (c)
(c) or
or (d)
(d) above.
above.
This Standard
requirements for elements of elevated
elevated floors,
floors,
including bearers,
including bearers,joists
joists and
and flooring,
flooring, ifif the underside of the element
underside of element is 400
400 mm
mm or more
more
above finished ground level.
level.
7.4 EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL WALLS
WALLS
7.4.1 Walls
Walls shall be one of the following:
following:
(a) Made of
Made of non-combustible material (e.g.,
non-combustible material (e.g., full
full masonry,
masonry, brick
brick veneer,
veneer, mud
mud brick,
brick,
concrete, aerated concrete).
or
or
(b) Made of
Made of timber-framed
timber-framed or
or steel-framed
steel-framedwalls
wallsthat
that are
are sarked
sarked on
on the
the outside
outside of the
the
frameand
frame andclad
cladwith—
with-
(i) fibre-cement external cladding, a minimum of 6 mm in thickness; or
fibre-cement
(ii)
(ii) steel sheet;
steel sheet; or
(iii) bushfire-resisting
(iv) a combination
combination of any of Items (i), (ii) or (iii) above.
or
or
(c) A combination
above.
7.4.2 Joints
All joints in
in the
the external
external surface
surface material
material of
of walls
walls shall
shall be
be covered,
covered, sealed,
sealed, overlapped,
overlapped,
backed or butt-jointed to prevent
prevent gaps
gaps greater
greater than
than 33 mm.
mm.
Alternatively, sarking-typematerial
Alternatively, sarking-type materialcan
canbebeapplied
appliedover
overthe
the frame
frame prior
prior to
to fixing
fixing any
any
external cladding.
cladding.
7.4.3
7.4.3 Vents
Ventsand
andweepholes
weepholes
Vents and
Vents and weepholes in external
weepholes in external walls
walls shall be screened
screened with
with aa mesh
mesh with
with aamaximum
maximum
aperture
aperture of 2
2 mm, made
made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, except where
of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, except where
they are less than 3 mm (see Clause 3.6).
7.5 EXTERNAL
7.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED
GLAZED ELEMENTS
ELEMENTS AND
AND ASSEMBLIES
ASSEMBLIES AND
AND EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
DOORS
shutters
Where fitted,
bushfireshutters
shutters shall
shallcomply
complywith
withClause
Clause3.7
3.7and
andbebemade
madefrom—
from-
non-combustible

WIT.3000.002.0169
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 60
(b) bushfire-resisting
(c) a combination of
of Items
Items (a)
(a) and
and (b)
(b) above.
above.
7.5.2
7.5.2 Windows
Windows
Windows shall
Windows shall comply
comply with
with one the following:
one of the
(a) They shall
They shall bebe completely
completely protected by a
protected by a bushfire
bushfire shutter
shutter that
that complies
complies with
Clause 7.5.1.
or
(b) They shall comply
with the
the following:
(i) Window frames
Window frames and
and window
windowjoinery
joinery and
and shall
shall be
be made
madefrom
from one
one of
of the
following:
(A) Bushfire-resisting timber (see
(see Appendix F).
or
(B) Metal.
Metal.
or
(C) Metal-reinforced
Metal-reinforced PVC-U. The The reinforcing members
members shall be be made
made from
aluminium, stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant steel, and
aluminium, stainless and the and
the frame and
the sash
sash shall satisfy the design
shall satisfy design load, performance
performance and
and structural
structural strength
member.
of the member.
fitted hardware
hardware that
that supports
supports the sash in its functions
sash in functions of opening
opening and
and
closing shall be metal.
(iii) Glazing shall be toughened glass minimum 55 mm.
mm.
(iv) Where glazing is less than 400 mm from
is less from the ground or less than 400 mm above
decks, carport
roofs, awnings and similar
awnings and similar elements
elements or
or fittings
fittings having
having an
an angle
less than 18 degrees to the horizontal
horizontal and extending more than
extending more than 110 mm
mm in
in width
from
from the window frame
the window frame (see
(see Figure
Figure D3, Appendix D)
D3, Appendix D) that
that portion shall be
portion shall be
screened
screened with
with a mesh or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with a maximum
maximum aperture
aperture of 2 mm,
steel, bronze or aluminium.
made of corrosion-resistant steel,
(v) The
The openable portions of
openable portions of windows shall be
windows shall be screened
screenedwith
with aa mesh
mesh with
with a
maximum aperture of
mm, made
made of
of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
aluminium.
Doors—Side-hung external
external doors
doors (including
(including French
French doors,
doors, panel
panel fold and
and
bi-fold doors)
doors)
Side-hung external
Side-hung externaldoors,
doors, including
includingFrench
Frenchdoors,
doors,panel
panel fold
fold and
and bi-fold
bi-fold doors,
doors, shall
shall
following:
(a) They shall be protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with Clause 7.5.1.
or
(b) They shall
They shall be
be completely
mesh with
with a
maximum aperture
made of
steel, bronze
bronzeoror aluminium
aluminium
or
(c) They shall comply with the following:
following:
(i) Doors shallbe—
Doors shall be-
.©
n
wrr.3000.002.0170
61
61 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
(B) aa solid
solid timber
timber door, having aa minimum
door, having minimum thickness
thicknessofof35
35mm
mmfor
for the
the first
first
400 mm above thethe threshold;
threshold; or
(C) a door, including aa hollow
hollow core
core door,
door, protected
protected on
on the
the outside
outside by
by aa screen
screen
door
door or aa mesh
mesh or
or perforated
perforated sheet
maximum aperture
aperture of
of 22 mm,
mm,
made
made of
steel,bronze
bronzeor oraluminium;
aluminium; oror
(D) aa fully
fully framed
framed glazed
glazed door,
door, where the framing
where the framing is made
made from
from non-
non-
combustible materials or from bushfire-resisting timber (see
(see Appendix F).
F).
Externally fitted hardware that supports
hardware that the panel
supports the panelin
in its
its functions
opening
and closing shall be metal.
and
(iii) Where
Where doors
doors incorporate glazing, the
incorporate glazing, the glazing
glazing shall
shall be
be toughened
toughened glass,
glass,
minimum 55 mm.
mm.
(iv) Where glazing is less
less than
than 400 mmmm from the ground or less
less than 400 mm above
decks, carport
roofs, awnings
awnings and
and similar
similar elements or fittings having
elements or having an
an angle
angle
less
less than
than 18
18 degrees
degreestotothe
thehorizontal
horizontal and
andextending
extendingmore
morethanthan110
110mm
mminin width
width
from the door
door (see
(see Figure
Figure D3,
D3, Appendix
Appendix D), that portion shall be screened
screened with
with
aa mesh
mesh or perforated
sheet with maximum aperture
aperture of of 2 mm,
mm, made
made of
bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
(v) Doorframes
Doorframes shall be made
made from
from one
one of
of the
the following:
following:
timber (see
(see Appendix F).
F).
or
(B) Metal.
or
(C) Metal-reinforced PVC-U.
Metal-reinforced PVC-U. TheThe reinforcing
reinforcing members
members shall
shall be
be made
made from
aluminium, stainless steel,
steel, or
or corrosion-resistant steel and
corrosion-resistant steel and the door
door
assembly shall
assembly shall satisfy
satisfy the design
design load,
load, performance
performance and
and structural
structural
member.
Doors shall
(vi) Doors shall be
be tight-fitting
tight-fitting toto the
the doorframe andtoto an
doorframe and an abutting door, ifif
abutting door,
applicable..
applicable.
(vii) Weather
Weather strips,
strips,draught
draught excluders
excluders or
or draught
draught seals
seals shall be installed at the base
base
Doors-Sliding doors
Sliding doors shall comply with one of the following:
following:
(a) They shall be protected by
by aa bushfire
bushfire shutter
shutter that
that complies
complies with
with Clause
Clause 7.5.1.
7.5.1.
or
(b) They
They shall
shall be completely
screenswith
with aa mesh
mesh with
with aa
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium.
maximum aluminium.
or
(c) They shall comply with the following:
following:
(i) Doorframes shall be
Doorframes be of
of bushfire-resisting (see Appendix
bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F) or
aluminium or steel.
steel.
(ii) Externally
Externally fitted
fitted hardware
hardware that supports the
that supports panel in its functions
the panel functions of opening
opening
and
and closing shall be
be metal.
(iii) Where sliding doors
doors incorporate glazing, the glazed
incorporate glazing, glazed assembly shall be
assembly shall be
glass minimum
toughened glass minimum 66 mm except where both
except where both the
the fixed
fixed and
and openable
openable
portions of doors screened by a mesh
doors are screened mesh or
or perforated
aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium.
i
WIT.3000.002.0171
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 62
62
(iv) Sliding doors

doors shall be tight-fitting
shall be tight-fitting in
inthe
the frames.
frames.
7.5.5
7.5.5 Doors-Vehicle
accessdoors
doors(garage
(garage doors)
doors)
The following apply to vehicle access
access doors:
doors:
(a) Vehicle access
Vehicle access doors
doorsshall
shallbe
bemade
madefrom—
from-
(ii) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
fibre-cement sheet, a minimum
(iii) fibre-cement minimum of 6 mm in thickness;
thickness; or
(iv) a combination of any of Items (i), (ii) or (iii) above.
above.
(b) Panel
Panel lift,
lift, tilt doors
doors or
or side-hung
side-hung doors
doors shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with suitable
suitable weather
weather strips,
strips,
draught seals or guide tracks, as appropriate
appropriate to the door type, with
a maximum gap no greater than 3 mm.
(c) Roller doors shall have guide tracks with a maximum
Roller maximum gapgap no greater
greater than 33 mm and
shall be
shall be fitted
fitted with
with a nylon
nylon brush
brush that
that is in
in contact
contact with
with the
the door
door (see
(see Figure
Figure D4,
Appendix D).
7.6 ROOFS
(INCLUDING VERANDA
VERANDA AND
AND ATTACHED
ATTACHED CARPORT
CARPORT ROOFS,
ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS
GUTTERS AND
AND DOWNPIPES)
DOWNPIPES)
7.6.1 General
The following apply to all
all types
types of
of roofs
roofs and
and roofing
roofing systems:
systems:
(a) Roof tiles, roof sheets
sheets and roof-covering
roof-covering accessories shall be non-combustible.
(b) The roof/wall
junction shall be sealed, to prevent
prevent openings
openings greater than 33 mm,mm, either
either
fascia and
and eaves
eaves linings
linings or by sealing between the
sealing between the top
top of
of the wall and
the underside of
of the roof
roof and
and between the rafters at the line of
of the wall.
wall.
openings, such
such as
as gable
gable and
and roof
roof vents,
vents, shall
shall be fitted
fitted with
with ember
ember
guards made
guards made of of non-combustible materialororaa mesh
non-combustible material mesh oror perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aa
maximum aperture made of corrosion-resistant
steel, bronze
(d) A pipe or conduit that penetrates the roof covering shall be non-combustible.
7.6.2 Tiled roofs
Tiled roofs
roofs shall
shall be
be fully
fullysarked.
sarked.The
Thesarking
sarkingshall—
shall-
(a) have a flammability index
index of
of not more than 5,
5, when
when tested
tested to
to AS
AS 1530.2;
1530.2;
(b) be located directly below the roof battens;
(c) cover the entire roof area including the ridge; and
(d) extend into gutters and
and valleys.
valleys.
7.6.3 Sheet
Sheet roofs
Sheet roofsshall—
Sheet roofs shall-
(a) be fully
fully sarked accordance with
sarked in accordance with Clause
Clause 7.6.2,
7.6.2, except
except that foil-backed
or
© Standards
@ Standards Australia
WIT.3000.002.0172
63 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
(b) have
have any
any gaps greater than
gaps greater than 33 mm
mm under
under corrugations
corrugationsoror ribs
ribs of sheet
sheet roofing and
and
between roof sealedatatthe
components sealed thefascia
fasciaororwall
wall line
line and
and at valleys;
valleys, hips
hips and
and
ridges by-
ridges by—
(i) aa mesh
mesh or perforated sheet with
aperture of mm, made of
made of
or aluminium;
aluminium; or
or
mineral
material; or
(iv) aa combination
combination of
of any
anyof
ofItems
Items(i),
(i), (ii)
(ii) or (iii)
(iii) above.
above.
7.6.4 Veranda,
carportand
and awning
awning roofs
roofs
The following
The following apply
applytotoveranda,
veranda, carport
awning roofs:
roofs:
(a) A veranda,
awning roof formingpart part of
of the
the main
main roof
roof space
space [see
[see
Figure DD1(a),
Figure AppendixD]D]shall
1(a), Appendix shallmeet
meetallall the
the requirements
requirementsfor
for the
the main
main roof,
roof, as
as
specified in Clauses 7.6.1, 7.6.2, 7.6.3, 7.6.5 and 7.6.6.
specified
(b) A veranda, carport
carport or awning roof separated
awning roof separated from
from the
the main
main roof
roof space
space by an external
external
wall .[see
wall FiguresDDl(b)
[see Figures and Dl(c),
1(b) and Dl(c), Appendix
complying with Clause
Clause 7.4
7.4 shall
shall
have a non-combustible
have non-combustibleroof
roofcovering
coveringand
andthe
thesupport
supportstructure
structureshall
shallbe—
be-
(i) of non-combustible
material; or
(ii) bushfire-resisting timber
bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix
Appendix F); or
timber rafters
(iii) timber rafters lined on the underside
underside with fibre-cement
fibre-cement sheeting aa minimum
minimum of
6 mm in thickness, or with material complying
complying with AS 153.0.8.1;
1530,8.1; or
(iv) a combination of any of Items (i), (ii) or
or (iii)
(iii) above.
above.
7.6.5
7.6.5 Roof
Roof penetrations
The following apply to roof penetrations:
(a) Roof penetrations, including
including roof lights,
lights, roof
roof ventilators,
evaporative
cooling units, aerials, vent pipes and supports for solar collectors, shall be adequately
adequately
sealed
sealed at the roof
roof to prevent gaps greater than 3 mm. The material used to
to prevent to flash
flash the
the
penetration shall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
roof lights,
lights, roof
roof ventilators
ventilators or
or vent
vent pipes
pipes shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
ember guards made from a mesh
ember guards made from a mesh or perforated
perforated sheet with maximum aperture of
sheet with a maximum aperture
2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
bronze or
or aluminium.
aluminium.
(c) All
All overhead
overhead glazing
glazing shall
shall be
be Grade
Grade A
A laminated
laminated safety
safety glass
glass complying
complying with
with
AS 1288.
1288.
(d) Glazed elements in roof lights and skylights may be of polymer provided a Grade Grade A
safety
diffuser, complying
complying with
with AS
AS 1288,
1288, is
is installed
installed under
under the glazing. Where
an insulating glazing unit (IGU), Grade A toughened safety glass,
glazing is an glass, minimum
minimum
4 mm, shall be used in in the outer
outer pane
pane of
of the
the IGU.
IGU.
(e) Where roof lights
Where roof lights are
are installed in roofs
installed in roofs having
having aa pitch
pitch of less than 18
18 degrees
degrees to the
horizontal, the
horizontal, the glazing shall be
glazing shall be protected with ember
protected with guards made
from a mesh
mesh or
perforated maximum aperture of 2 mm, made made of corrosion-resistant steel,
units shall butterfly closers at or near the ceiling
shall be fitted with butterfly ceiling
level, or
level, or the
the unit
unit shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
withnon-combustible covers with
non-combustible covers with a mesh
mesh oror
perforated sheet
sheet with
with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel, steel,
aluminium.

WIT.3000.002.0173
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 64
7.6.6
7.6.6 Eaves
Eaveslinings,
linings,fascias
fascias and
and gables
gables
The following apply to eaves linings, fascias and
and gables:
(a) Joints in eaves linings, fascias
fascias and
and gables
gables may
may be
be sealed
sealed with
with plastic
plastic joining
joining strips
strips or
timber storm moulds.
(b) Gables shall comply with Clause 7.4.
(c) Fascias and bargeboards
Fascias and bargeboardsshall—
shall-
(i) where timber is used, be made from bushfire-resisting
(see Appendix
Appendix F);
or
(ii) where made from metal, be fixed at 450
450 mm centres; or
(iii) be a combination of Items (i) and
and (ii)
(ii) above.
above.
(d) Eaves liningsshall
Eaves linings shallbe—
be-
(i) fibre-cement
fibre-cement sheet, a minimum 4.5 mm in thickness; or
(ii) bushfire-resisting
(iii) a combination of Items (i) and (ii)
(ii) above.
above.
(e) Eaves penetrations shall be protected the same as roof penetrations
as. for roof penetrations
(see Clause 7.6.5).
(f) Eaves ventilation
Eaves ventilation openings
openings greater
greater than 3 mmmm shall
shall be fitted
fitted with ember
ember guards made
non-combustible material or a mesh or perforated
maximum aperture
aperture
of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant
This Standard does not provide construction-specific
construction-specific material
material requirements for downpipes.
If installed, gutter
gutter and
and valley leaf guards shall be non-combustible.
With the exception of box gutters, gutters shall be metal or PVC-U.
Box
Box gutters
gutters shall
shall be
be non-combustible and flashed
at the junction
junction with
with the
the roof,
roof, with
with
non-combustible
non-combustible materials.
materials.
7.7 VERANDAS,
VERANDAS,DECKS,
DECKS,STEPS,
STEPS,RAMPS
RAMPSAND
AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS
7.7.1 General
Decking shall
shall be
be either
either spaced
spaced or
or continuous
continuous (i.e.,
(i.e., without
without spacing).
There requirement to enclose the subfloor
subfloor spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps or
landings.
C77.1
C7.7.1 Spaced
Spaceddecking
deckingisisnominally
nominallyspaced
spaced atat 33 mm
mm (in accordance with standard
accordance with standard industry
however, due
practice); however, due toto thethe nature
nature ofoftimber
timberdecking
deckingwith
withseasonal
seasonal changes
moisture
content,
content, that spacing may range
spacing may range from
from 0—5
0-5 mm mmduring
duringservice.
service.The
Thepreferred
preferred dimension
dimension for
for
gaps
gaps is 3 mm
mm (which
(which is
is in
in line
line with
with other `permissible
'permissible gaps')
gaps) inin other
other parts of
of this
this Standard.
Standard.
It should
It should be
be noted
noted that
that recent
recent research
research studies
studies have shown
shown that
that gaps
gaps at
at 5 mm
mm spacing
spacing afford
afford
opportunity embers to to become
become lodged
lodged in between
between timbers,
timbers, which may contribute to
which may to aa
fire. Larger
Largergap
gapspacings
spacings ofof10 10mm
mm maymay preclude
preclude this
this from
fromhappening
happening butbut such
such aaspacing
spacing
regime may not be be practical
practical for aa timber
timberdeck.
deck.

liiiiiiimllilill
WIT.3000.002.0174
65 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
7.7.2 Enclosed
7.7.2 Enclosedsubfloor
subfloorspaces
spaces of
ofverandas,
verandas,decks,
decks, steps,
steps, ramps and
and landings
landings
7.7.2.1
to enclose
enclose a subfloor space
space
The subfloor
The subfloor spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps
spaces of ramps and
and landings are
are considered
considered to be
be
ènclosed' when-
'enclosed' when—
(a) the material
material used
usedtotoenclose
enclosethe
thesubfloor
subfloorspace
spaceis—
is-
(i) non-combustible; or
non-combustible;
(ii) bushfire-resisting timber (see
bushfire-resisting Appendix F);
or
(iii) a
a mesh
mesh oror perforated sheet with
a maximum
made of
of
bronzeor
or aluminium;
aluminium; or
(iv) a combination
combination of
of any
anyof
of Items
Items(i),
(i), (ii)
(ii) or (iii)
(iii) above;
above; and
and
(b) all openings
openings greater than 3 mm
greater than mm are
are screened
screenedwith
with aa mesh
mesh or
or perforated
perforated sheet
sheetwith
with aa
maximum aperture
made of corrosion-resistant steel, bronze
7.7.2.2
7.7.2.2 Supports
Supports
This Standard
Standard does
does not provide
requirements for support posts,
for-support posts, columns,
columns,
and poles.
7.7.2.3
7.7.2.3 Framing
Framing
construction requirements for the
the framing
framing of
of verandas,
verandas,
decks, ramps
ramps or
or landings bearers and joists).
7.7.2.4
7.7.2.4 Decking
Decking
Decking shallbe—
Decking shall be-
of non-combustible material; or
of bushfire-resisting Appendix F);
or
(c) aa combination
combination of Items (a)
(a) and
and (b)
(b) above.
above.
7.7.3 Unenclosed
subfloorspaces
spaces of
of verandas,
verandas, decks,
7.7.3.1 Supports
Support posts,
Support posts, columns,
columns,stumps,
stumps,stringers,
stringers,piers
piersand
andpoles
polesshall
shallbe—
be-
(a) of non-combustible
material; or
(b) of bushfire-resisting
(c) combination of Items (a) and (b) above.
a combination
7.7.3.2 Framing
Framing
Framing of
Framing of verandas,
verandas,decks,
decks,ramps
rampsororlandings
landings(i.e.,
(i.e.,bearers
bearersand
andjoists)
joists)shall
shallbe—
be-
(a) non-combustible material; or .
of non-combustible
(b) bushfire-resisting timber (see Appendix F); or
of bushfire-resisting
(c) a combination
7.7.3.3
7.7.3.3 Decking
Decking
Decking shallbe—
Decking shall be-
material; or
(b) of bushfire-resisting
(c) a combination
www.standards.org.au ©
@ Standards
Standards Australia
Australia
1
WIT.3000.002.0175
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 66
Balustrades, handrails
7.7.4 Balustrades, handrails or
or other
other barriers
Those parts
Those parts of
of the handrails
handrails and balustrades less than
balustrades less than 125 mm from
125 mm from any
any glazing or any
glazing or
combustible wallshall
combustible wall shallbe—
be-
or
(b) bushfire-resisting
(c) a combination of Items (i) and
and (ii)
(ii) above.
above.
Those parts
Those parts of the handrails
handrails and balustrades that are 125
balustrades that 125 mm
mm or more
more from
from the building
building
have no requirements.
requirements.
7.8 WATER
7.8 WATERAND
AND GAS
GAS SUPPLY
SUPPLY PIPES
Above-ground, exposed water and gas
gas supply
supply pipes shall
shall be
be metal.
metal.

WIT.3000.002.0176
67 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
SECTION
F O R BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK
A T T A C K LLEVEL
E V E L 40 40 ((BAL-40)
BAL — 4 0 )
8.1 GENERAL
8.1 GENERAL
A building
buildingassessed in Section
assessed in Section 22 as
as being
being BAL-40
BAL—40 shallshall comply
comply with with Section
Section 33 and
and
Clauses 8.2 to 8.8.
NOTE: There are number of Standards
are a number Standards that specify
requirements for construction;
however,
where this Standard
requirements for
for aa particular
particular element,
element,the
the other
other
Standards apply.
Any'element of construction or system that satisfies the
Any"element the test
test criteria
criteria of
of AS
AS 1530.8.1
1530.8.1 may
may be
be
used in lieu of the applicable requirements
requirements of Clauses 8.2 to 8.8, see see Clause 3.8.
NOTE:
NOTE: BAL—40
BAL-40 isisprimarily
primarilyconcerned
concerned with
with protection
protection from
from ember
ember attack,
attack, increased likelihood
heat greater
of flame contact and radiant heat greater than
than 29 kW/m2 and up to and
29 kW/m2 and including kW/m2.
including 40 kW/m2.
8.2 SUBFLOOR
SUPPORTS
This Standard
This does not
construction requirements for subfloor
subfloor supports
supports where
where the
the
subfloor space is enclosed with a wall that complies with Clause 8.4.
Where the
Where the subfloor
subfloor space
space is unenclosed,
unenclosed, the
the support
support posts, columns, stumps,
stumps, piers
piers and
and poles
shallbe—
shall be-
(a) of non-combustible material; or
(b) a system complying with AS 1530.8.1;
1530.8.1; or
(c) a combination
NOTE: This
This requirement
requirement applies
applies to
to the
the principal
principal building
building only
only and not to verandas, decks, steps,
ramps and landings (see Clause 8.7).\
C8.2 Combustible
C8.2 Combustible materials
materials stored
stored ininthe
thesubfloor
subfloor space
space may
may be
be ignited by
by embers and
embers and
cause an impact
cause an impact to
to the
the building.
building.
8.3 FLOORS
8.3 FLOORS
Concrete slabs
8.3.1 Concrete slabs on
on ground
ground
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide for concrete
provide construction requirements for concrete slabs
slabs on ground.
ground.
8.3.2 Elevated
Elevated floors
8.3.2.1 Enclosed
8.3.2.1 Enclosed subfloor
subfloor spaces
spaces
This
This Standard
Standard does
does not provide
requirements for
for elevated
elevated floors,
floors, including
including
bearers, joists
joists and flooring,
flooring, where the subfloor
subfloor space is enclosed
enclosed with a wall that complies
complies
with Clause 8.4.
8.4.
8.3.2.2 Unenclosed subfloor spaces
subfloor spaces
Where
Where the subfloor
subfloor space is unenclosed, the flooring material,
material, including
including bearers, joists
joists and
and
flooring,shall—
flooring, shall-
(a) non-combustible (e.g., concrete, steel); or
be non-combustible
(b) have the
have the underside
undersideof
of the
the combustible
elements of
of the
the floor
floor system protected with
system protected with a
non-combustible material (e.g., fibre-cement
non-combustible fibre-cement sheet
sheet or metal sheet); or
sheet); or
(c) comply with
comply with AS 1530.8.1; or
(d) be a combination of any of Items (a), (b) or
or (c)
(c) above.
above.
Ill
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68
8.4
8.4 EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL WALLS
8.4.1 Walls
Walls following:
(a) Walls
Walls made
made from non-combustible material (e.g.,
non-combustible material (e.g., full
full masonry,
masonry, brick
brick veneer,
veneer, mud
mud
brick, concrete, aerated concrete).
or
or
(b) Timber-framed or
Timber-framed or steel-framed
steel-framed walls
walls that
that are
are sarked
sarked on the outside
outside of the frame
frame and
and
clad with—
clad with--
fibre-cement external cladding, aa minimum
(i) fibre-cement minimum of 9 mm in thickness; or
(ii) steel sheeting; or
(iii) a combination of Items (i) and (ii) above.
or
or
(c) A system complying with AS 1530.8.1.

1530.8.1.
or .
(d) combination of any of Items (a), (b) or (c) above,
A combination
8.4.2 Joints
All joints
All joints in the
the external
external surface
surface material
material of walls
walls shall
shall be
be covered,
covered, sealed,
sealed, overlapped,
overlapped,
backed or butt-jointed
backed butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3 mm.
Alternatively, Barking-typematerial
materialmay
maybebeapplied
appliedover
overthe
theframe
frameprior
priortoto fixing
fixing any
any
external cladding.
8.4.3 Vents
weepholes
Vents and
Vents and weepholes
weepholes in
in external
external walls
walls shall
shall be
be screened with a mesh
screened with mesh with
with a maximum
maximum
aperture of
aperture of 2 mm,
mm, made
made of corrosion-resistant steel or bronze
corrosion-resistant steel bronze except where they
except where they are less
less
than 3 mm (see Clause 3.6).
3.6).
8.5 EXTERNAL
8.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED
GLAZED ELEMENTS
ELEMENTS AND
AND ASSEMBLIES
ASSEMBLIES AND
AND EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
DOORS
shutters
Where fitted,
Where comply with
bushfire shutters shall comply
fitted, bushfire with Clause
Clause 3.7
3.7 and
and be
be made
made from
from
non-combustible material.
8.5.2
8.5.2 Windows
Windows
Window assemblies following:
(a) They shall
They shall be
be completely
completely protected by a bushfire
shutter that
that complies
complies with
with
Clause
Clause 8.5.1.
or
(b) They shall comply
comply with the following:
following:
(i) Window
Window frames
frames and
and hardware
hardware shall be metal.
(ii) Glazing shall
shall be
be toughened
toughened glass,
glass, minimum
minimum 55 mm.
mm.
(iii) Both
Both the
the openable and the
openable and the fixed
fixed portions of
of the
the window
window shall
shall be
be screened with aa
screened with
mesh
maximum aperture
aperture of 22 mm,
mm, made
made of
steel or
bronze.
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(iv) Seals
Seals to
to stiles, head
head and
and sills
sills or thresholds shall be manufactured
manufactured from materials
materials
having a flammability index
index no
no greater
greater than 5.
8.5.3
Doors—Side-hung external
external doors
doors (including
(including French
French doors,
doors, panel
panel fold
fold and
and
bi-fold doors)
doors)
Side-hung external
doors, including
includingFrench
Frenchdoors,
doors,panel
panel fold
fold and
and bi-fold
bi-fold doors,
doors, shall
shall
following:
(a) They shall be protected by a bushfire
bushfire shutter that complies with Clause 8.5.1.
or
(b) They shall comply with the following:
following:
(i) Doorsshall
Doors shallbe—
be-
(A) non-combustible;
non-combustible; or
(B) a solid
solid timber
timber door, having aa minimum
minimum thickness
thickness of 35 mm for the first
first
400 mm above
400 mm above the
the threshold
threshold and
and protected
protected onon the
the outside
outside by
by a metal-
metal-
framed screen door
framed screen door with
with a mesh
mesh or
or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aamaximum
maximum
aperture of 2 mm,
mm, made
steel or bronze; or
(C) a fully
fully framed
framed glazed
glazed door
door where
where the
the framing
framing is
is made
made from
from non-
non-
(ii) Externally fitted hardware
Externally fitted hardware that
that supports
supports the
the panel
panel in
in its functions
opening
and closing shall be made
made of
of materials
materials that
that have
have an
an FRL
FRLofofatatleast
least -/30/-.
-/30/-.
(iii) Where
Where doors incorporate glazing,
doors incorporate the glazing
glazing, the glazing shall
shall be
be toughened
toughened glass
glass
minimum 66 mm.
mm.
(iv) Where glazing is less than 400 mm fromfrom the ground
ground or less than 400 mm above
decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar
similar elements
elements or fittings
fittings having
having an angle
angle
less than 18
18 degrees to the horizontal
horizontal and
and extending
extending more
more than
than 110
110 mm
mm in
in width
width
from
from the door (see Figure D3, Appendix D) that that portion
portion of the glazing shall be
screened with a mesh or
screened with or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aamaximum
maximum aperture
aperture of
of 22mm,
mm,
corrosion-resistant steel or bronze.
(v) Seals to stiles, head and sills or thresholds shall be manufactured from silicone.
manufactured from
(vi) Doorframes shall be metal.
Doorframes
(vii)
(vii) Doors
Doors shall
shall be
be tight-fitting to the
tight-fitting to the doorframe and to
doorframe and to an
an abutting
abutting door,
door, if
if
applicable.
(viii) Weather
Weather strips,
strips, draught
draught excluders or draught
draught seals
seals shall be installed at
at the
the base
base
8.5.4 Doors-Sliding
8.5.4 Doors—Slidingdoors
doors
following:
(a) protected by a bushfire
They shall be protected bushfire shutter that complies with
with Clause
Clause 8.5.1.
or
(b) They shall,
shall, comply with the following:
following:
(i) Doorframes
Doorframes shall be of metal.
metal.
(ii) Externally fitted hardware
Externally fitted hardware that
that supports
supports the
the panel
panel in
in its functions
opening
and closing shall be metal.

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70
doors incorporate glazing,

Where sliding doors
(iii) Where shall have
the glazing shall
glazing, the have an FRL
FRL of at
least -/30/- except
except where
where both the fixed
fixed and openable portions
and openable portions of doors are
are
by a mesh
screened by mesh or
or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aa maximum aperture
aperture of 22 mm,
mm,
made of corrosion-resistant steel or bronze.
(iv) Seals to stiles, head and sills or thresholds shall be manufactured
manufactured from silicone.
(v) Sliding doors
Sliding doors shall
shall be tight-fitting
tight-fitting in the frames.
frames.
8.5.5 Doors-Vehicle
8.5.5 Doors—Vehicleaccess
accessdoors
doors (garage
(garage doors)
following apply to vehicle access doors:
The following
(a) Vehicle access doors shall be non-combustible.
(b) Panel lift,
Panel lift, tilt doors
doors or
or side-hung
side-hung doors
doors shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with suitable
suitable weather
weather strips,
strips,
draught excluders,
draught seals or guide tracks, as appropriate to the
the door
door type,
type, with
with
maximum gap no greater than 3 mm.
a maximum
(c) Roller doors shall have guide tracks with
with aa maximum
maximum gap no greater
greater than
than 33 mm
mm and
and
shall be
shall be fitted with
with aa nylon
nylon .brush
brush that is
is in
in contact
contact with
with the
the door
door (see
(seeFigure
FigureD4,
D4,
Appendix D).
D).
8.6 ROOFS
(INCLUDING VERANDA
VERANDA AND
AND ATTACHED
ATTACHED CARPORT
CARPORT ROOFS,
ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS AND
AND DOWNPIPES)
DOWNPIPES)
8.6.1 General
The following provisions apply to all types of
of roofs
roofs and
and roofing systems:
(a) Roof tiles, roof sheets and roof-covering
Roof roof-covering accessories shall be non-combustible.
(b) The roof/wall junction shall be sealed,
roof/wall junction sealed, to
to prevent
prevent openings
openings greater
greater than
than 33 mm,
mm, either
either
by the use of
of fascia
fascia and
and eaves or by sealing
eaves linings or between the
sealing between the top
top of the wall and
and
the underside of the roof and between the rafters at the line of the wall.
wall.
(c) Roof ventilation openings,
Roof ventilation openings, such
such as
as gable
gable and roof vents, shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with ember
ember
guards made of
guards made of non-combustible materialororaa mesh
non-combustible material mesh oror perforated sheet with
perforated sheet with aa
maximum aperture
mm, made
steel or bronze.
(d) A pipe or conduit that penetrates the roof covering shall be non-combustible.
Roof-mounted evaporative
Roof-mounted evaporativecoolers
coolersare
areexcluded
excludedfrom
fromthis
thislevel
level(i.e.,
(i.e.,BAL—40).
BAL-40).
8.6.2 Tiled roofs
roofs
Tiled roofs
roofs shall
shall be
be fully
fullysarked.
sarked.The
Thesarking
sarkingshall—
shall-
(a) have a flammability
flammability index of not more than 5, when tested to AS 1530.2;
1530.2;
(b) be located directly below the roof battens;
(c) cover the entire roof area
area including
including the
the ridge;
ridge;and,
and
(d) extend into gutters and
and valleys.
valleys.
8.6.3 Sheet
Sheet roofs
Sheet roofsshall—
Sheet roofs shall-
(a) bebe fully
fully sarked
sarked in
in accordance
accordance with
with Clause
Clause 8.6.2,
8.6.2, except
except that foil-backed
insulation
or
Or
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71 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
(b) have
have any
any gaps greater than
gaps greater than 33 mm
mm under
under corrugations
corrugationsor or ribs
ribs of sheet
sheet roofing
roofing and
and
between roof sealedatatthe
components sealed thefascia
fasciaororwall
wall line
line and
and at valleys, hips and
and
ridges by-
ridges by—
(i) aa mesh
mesh or perforated
sheet with maximum aperture of 2 mm,
made of
of
corrosion-resistant steel or bronze; or
(iii) other
other non-combustible
material; or
or
(iv) a combination
combination of
of any
any of
of Items
Items (i),
(i), (ii) or
or (iii)
(iii)above.
above.
8.6.4 Veranda,
carport and
and awning
awning roofs
roofs
The following
The following apply
applytotoveranda,
veranda, carport
awning roofs:
roofs:
(a) A veranda,
A carport or
veranda, carport or awning roof forming
awning roof formingpart part of
of the
the main
main roof
roof space
space [see
[see
FigureDD1(a),
AppendixD]D]shall
shallmeet
meetallallthe
the requirements
requirementsfor
for the
the main
main roof,
roof, as
as
specified in. Clauses 8.6.1, 8.6.2, 8.6.3, 8.6.5
in Clauses 8.6.5 and
and 8.6.6.
8.6.6.
(b) veranda, carport
awning roof separated from the
separated from the main
main roof
roof space
space by
by an
an external
external
wall [see
wall [see Figures
Figures D1(b)
D 1(b) and
and D1(c),
Dl(c), Appendix
complying with
with Clause
Clause 8.4
8.4 shall
shall
non-combustible roof
roof covering
coveringand
andthe
thesupport
supportstructure
structureshall
shallbe—
be-
(ii)
(ii) timber rafters
rafters lined on
on the underside
fibre-cement sheeting minimum of
sheeting a minimum of
6 mm in thickness, or with material complying with AS
complying with AS 1530.8.1; or
1530.8.1; or
(iii) a system complying with AS 1530.8.1;
1530.8.1; or
(iv) combination of any of Items (i), (ii) or (iii) above.
a combination
8.6.5
8.6.5 Roof
Roof penetrations
penetrations
The following
following apply to roof penetrations:
(a) Roof
Roof penetrations, including roof
penetrations, including roof lights,
lights, roof
roof ventilators,
ventilators, aerials,
aerials, vent pipes
pipes and
and
supports
supports for
for solar collectors,
collectors, shall be
be adequately
adequately sealed
sealed at the
the roof
roof to
to prevent
prevent gaps
gaps
greater than 3 mm.
greater than mm. The
The material used to
material used to flash
flash the
the penetration
penetration shall
shall be
be non-
non-
combustible.
(b) Glazed assemblies for
Glazed assemblies for roof
roof lights
lights and
and skylights
skylights shall
shall have
have an
anFRL
FRL of-/30/-.
of -/30/-.
(c) Where roof lights
Where roof lights are
are installed
installed in roofs
roofs having pitch of less than 18
having a pitch 18 degrees to the
degrees to
horizontal, the
horizontal, the glazing shall be protected
glazing shall with ember
protected with guards made
from aa mesh
mesh or
perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made
perforated made of corrosion-resistant
or bronze.
8.6.6 Eaves
8.6.6 Eaves linings,
linings,fascias
fascias and
and gables
gables
The following apply to eaves linings,
linings, fascias
fascias and
and gables:
gables:
(a) fascias and gables
Joints in eaves linings, fascias
Joints may be
gables may be sealed
sealed with
with plastic
plastic joining
joining strips
strips or
or
(b) Gables shall comply with Clause 8.4.
8.4.
(c) Fascias and bargeboards shall comply with AS 1530.8.1.
1530.8.1.
(d) shallbe—
Eaves linings shall be-
(i)
(1) fibre-cement sheet, a minimum
fibre-cement minimum of
of 66 mm in thickness; or
(ii) calcium silicate sheet, aa minimum
minimum of
of 66 mm in thickness;
thickness; or
(iii) a combination and (ii) above.
combination of Items (i) and above.

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AS 3959-2009 72
(e) Eaves penetrations

Eaves penetrations shall
shall be
be protected
protected the
the same
sameas
asfor
forroof
roof penetrations
penetrations as
as specified
specified in
Clause 8.6.5.
Eaves ventilation openings greater than 3 mm
greater than mm shall
shall be
be fitted with
withember
emberguards
guards made
made
of non-combustible material,
material, or
oraa mesh,
mesh, or perforated
perforated sheet
maximum aperture
aperture
of 2 mm, made
made of corrosion-resistant steel
steel or bronze.
This Standard
Standard does not provide construction-specific material requirements for downpipes.
If installed, gutter and valley leaf guards
guards shall
shall be non-combustible.
Gutters shall be non-combustible.
Box gutters
Box gutters shall
shall be non-combustible and flashed
at the
the junction
junction with
with the roof with non-
non-
combustible materials.
8.7 VERANDAS,
VERANDAS,DECKS,
DECKS,STEPS,
STEPS,RAMPS
RAMPSAND
AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS
8.7.1 General
Decking shall be either spaced or continuous (i.e., without spacing).
There enclose the subfloor
There is no requirement to enclose subfloor spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps or
landings.
C8.7.1
C8.7.1 Spaced
Spaced decking
decking is is nominally
nominally spaced
spaced at 3 mm (in accordance
accordance with standard
standard industry
practice); however,
however, due to the nature of timber decking with seasonal changes in
due to the nature of timber decking with seasonal changes in moisture
moisture
content, spacing may
content, that spacing may range
range from
from 0-5 mm service. The
mm during service. The preferred
preferred dimension
dimension forfor
gaps is
gaps is 33 mm
mm(which
(whichisisininline
line with
with other
other permissible gaps) in
'permissible gaps') in other
other parts
parts of
of this
this Standard.
Standard.
It should
It should be be noted that recent research
research studies
studies have shown
shown that
that gaps
gaps at
at 5 mm
mm spacing
spacing afford
afford
opportunity for
embers to become lodged in
become lodged in between
betweentimbers,
timbers,which
whichmaymaycontribute
contributetoto aa
fire. Larger
Largergap gapspacings
spacings of of1010mm
mm may
may preclude
preclude this from happening
happening but suchsuch a spacing
spacing
may not
regime may not be
bepractical
practical for aatimber
timberdeck.
deck.
8.7.2 Enclosed subfloor spaces
Enclosed subfloor spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps
landings
8.7.2.1 Materials
8.7.2.1 Materials totoenclose
enclose .aa subfloor
subfloor space
space
The
The subfloor spaces of
subfloor spaces of verandas,
verandas, decks,
landings are deemed
deemed to be
be
ènclosed' when-
'enclosed' when—
(a) the material used to enclose the
the subfloor
subfloor space
space complies with Clause
Clause 8.4;
8.4; and
(b) openings greater
all openings greater than
than 3 mm are screened with a mesh or perforated
screened with perforated sheet
sheet with aa
maximum
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant
corrosion-resistant steel or bronze.
8.7.2.2
8.7.2.2 Supports
Supports
This
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for support posts,
posts, columns,
columns,
stumps, stringers, piers and poles.
8.7.2.3
8.7.2.3 Framing
Framing
This Standard
This Standard does
does not provide
of verandas,
verandas,
8.7.2.4
8.7.2.4 Decking
Decking
Deckingshall
Decking shallbe—
be-
(b) a system
system complying
complying with AS 1530.8.1,
1530.8.1, or
or
(c) combination of Items (a) and
a combination and (b)
(b) above.
above.
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8.7.3 Unenclosed
subfloorspaces
spacesof
ofverandas,
verandas, decks,
decks, steps,
steps, ramps and
and landings
landings
8.7.3.1 Supports
8.7.3.1
Support posts,
Support posts,columns,
columns,stumps,
stumps,stringers,
stringers,piers
piersand
andpoles
polesshall
shall be-
be—
of non-combustible
(b) system complying with AS
a system AS 1530.8.1;
1530.8.1; or
(c) a combination of Items (a)
(a) and
and (b)
(b) above.
above.
8.7.3.2 Framing
Framing
Framing of
verandas, decks,
decks, ramps
rampsor
orlandings
landings(i.e.,
(i.e.,bearers
bearersand
andjoists)
joists)shall
shallbe—
be-
(b) a system complying with
with AS
AS 1530.8.1;
1530.8.1; or
(c) a combination of Items (a)
(a) and
and (b)
(b) above.
above.
8.7.3.3 Decking
8.7.3.3 Decking
Deckingshall
Decking shallbe—
be-
1530.8.1; or
(c) a combination
combination of Items (a) and
and (b) above.
8.7.4 Balustrades, handrails or other
Balustrades, handrails other barriers
Those parts
Those parts of
of the handrails
handrails and
and balustrades less than
balustrades less than 125 mm from
125 mm from any
any glazing
glazing or
or any
combustible wall
combustible wall shall be of non-combustible material.
Those
Those parts
parts of the
the handrails
handrails and
and balustrades
balustrades that
that are
are 12.5
125 mm
mm or more
more from
from the
the building
building
requirements.
8.8 WATER
8.8 WATER AND
AND GAS
GAS SUPPLY
SUPPLY PIPES
Above-ground,
Above-ground, exposed water and
and gas
gas supply
supply pipes shall
shall be
be metal.
metal.
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AS 3959-2009 74
SECTION
F O R BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE
ATTACK
A T T A C K LLEVEL
E V E L FFZZ ( (BAL-FZ)
BAL—FZ)
9.1
9.1 GENERAL
GENERAL
A building assessed in Section
buildingassessed Section 22 as being
being BAL-FZ
BAL—FZshallshallcomply
comply with
with Section
Section 33 and
and
Clauses9.2
Clauses 9.2toto 9.8
9.8 and
and have
have aa minimum
minimum setback
setback distance of 10
distance of 10 in
m from
from the
the classified
classified
vegetation.
circumstances where the 10
In circumstances 10 in
m setback distance cannot be achieved, those elements of of the
the
building that are
building are less than 10
less than 10 in
m from
from the
the classified
vegetation shall
shall comply
comply with
with
1530.8.2.
AS 1530.8.2.
There are aa number of Standards
NOTE: There Standards that
that specify
requirements for
for construction;
however,
where this Standard does not provide construction requirements
requirements for
for a particular element, the other
Standards apply.
element of
Any element of construction
construction or or system
system that
that satisfies
satisfies the
the test
test criteria
criteria of
of AS
AS 1530.8.2
1530.8.2 may
may be
be
used in lieu of the applicable requirements contained in Clauses 9.2 to 9.8, see Clause 3.8. 3.8.
NOTES:
1I BAL-FZ
BAL—FZisisprimarily
primarilyconcerned
concerned-with
with protection
protection from
fromflame
flame contact
contacttogether'
together with
with ember
ember
attack and radiant heat
heat of
of more
morethan
than 40 kW/m2.
40kW/m2.
22 Construction
Construction inin the
the Flame Zone BAL—FZ
Flame Zone BAL-FZ may may require
require reliance
reliance onon measures
measures other than
than
construction.
construction. The
The requirements
requirements for
for construction
construction ofof aa building
building inin the
the Flame
Flame Zone
Zone is regulated
by the building authorities having jurisdiction in the States and Territories of Australia.
9.2 SUBFLOOR
SUPPORTS
This Standard
This does not provide construction
Standard does requirements for
construction requirements for subfloor
subfloor supports
supports where the
subfloor space
subfloor space is enclosed
enclosed with a wall that complies
complies with
with Clause
Clause 9.4.
Where the subfloor
subfloor space is unenclosed,
unenclosed, systems,
systems, including support
support posts, columns,
columns, stumps,
stumps,
piers andpoles,
piers and poles,shall—
shall-
(a) have an FRL
FRL of at least 30/-/-
30/-/- and
and shall
shall be
be non-combustible;
non-combustible; or
(b) be a system complying with AS 1530.8.2;
1530.8.2; or
(c) be a combination of Items (a) (a) and
and (b)
(b) above.
above.
NOTE: This
This requirement
requirement applies
applies to the principal
principal building
building only
only and not to verandas, decks,
decks, steps,
steps,
landings (see
ramps and landings (see Clause
Clause 9.7).
9.7).
C9.2 Combustible
Combustiblematerials
materialsstored
storedininthe
thesubfloor
subfloorspace
spacemay
may be
be ignited
ignited by
byembers
embers and
and
cause an
cause an impact
impact to the
the building.
9.3 FLOORS
9.3 FLOORS
slabs on ground
Standard does
not provide requirements for concrete
provide construction requirements concrete slabs
slabs on
on ground.
Elevated floors
9.3.2 Elevated
9.3.2.1
9.3.2.1 Enclosed
Enclosed subfloor
subfloor spaces
spaces
This Standard
This Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for
for elevated
elevated floors,
floors, including
including
joists and flooring, where the subfloor
bearers, joists subfloor space is. enclosed with
is enclosed with aa wall
wall that
that complies
with Clause 9.4.

75 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
Unenclosed subfloor spaces

9.3.2.2 Unenclosed spaces wfr 3000.002.0184
Where the
Where the subfloor
subfloor space
space is unenclosed, the floor
unenclosed, the floor system,
system, including
including bearers, joist and
bearers, joist and
flooring, shall-
flooring, shall—
(a) have
have anan FRL of
of at
at least
least 30/30/30
30/30/30 and
and the
the surface
surface material shall be
be non-combustible
non-combustible
concrete, steel); or
(e.g., concrete,
(b) have the underside
underside of the combustible
elements of the floor system
system protected with
with aa
30 min resistance to incipient spread of fire system; or
(c) 1530.8.2 when tested from the underside; or
comply with AS 1530.8.2
(d) be a combination of any
any of
of Items (a), (b)
(b) or
or (c)
(c) above.
above.
9.4 EXTERNAL
9.4 EXTERNAL WALLS
WALLS
9.4.1 Walls
9.4.1 Walls
following:
(a) Walls made
Walls made of non-combustible material (e.g.,
non-combustible material (e.g., masonry, brick veneer,
masonry, brick veneer, mud
mud brick,
brick,
minimum of 90 mm in thickness.
aerated concrete, concrete) with aa minimum
aerated
or
(b) A system complying with AS 1530.8.2
1530.8.2 when tested from the outside.
or
(c) A system with an FRL of 330/30/30
0/3 0/3 0 or
or -/30/30
-13 0/3 0when
whentested
testedfrom
fromthe
theoutside.
outside.
or
or
(d) A combination of any of Items

Items (a), (b)
(b) or
or (c)
(c) above.
above.
9.4.2 Joints
All joints
All joints in the
the external
external surface
surface material
material of walls
walls shall
shall be
be covered,
covered, sealed,
sealed, overlapped,
overlapped,
backed or butt-jointed to prevent gaps
gaps greater than 33 mm.
mm.
Alternatively, sarking-typematerial
materialmay
maybebeapplied
appliedover
overthe
the frame
frame prior
prior to fixing
fixing any
any
external cladding.
9.4.3 Vents
weepholes
Vents and
Vents and weepholes in external
weepholes in walls shall
external walls shall be screened
screened with
with a mesh
mesh with
with aamaximum
maximum
aperture of
aperture of 2 mm,
mm, made
made of corrosion-resistant steel or bronze,
corrosion-resistant steel except where
bronze, except where they
they are less
less
than 3 mm (see Clause
Clause 3.6).
3.6).
9.5 EXTERNAL
9.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED
GLAZED ELEMENTS
ELEMENTS AND
AND ASSEMBLIES
ASSEMBLIES AND
AND EXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
DOORS
Where fitted, bushfire shutters
shuttersshall
shallcomply
complywith—
with-
(a) Clause 3.7, except that perforations acceptable over the door
perforations are not acceptable door system; and
(b) AS 1530.8.2 when tested from the outside.
9.5.2 Windows
9.5.2 Windows
Window following:
(a) They shall
They shall be
be completely
completely protected by a bushfire
shutter that
that complies
complies with
with
Clause 9.5.1. ..
or

II
WIT.3000.002.0185
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 76
(b) The openable portion of the window shall

openable portion shall be
be screened
screened with aa mesh
maximum
aperture mm, made
aperture of 2 mm, madeof of corrosion-resistant
corrosion-resistantsteel
steelororbronze;
bronze;and
andeither—
either-
(i) the window system
system shall have an FRL of
of at least -/30/-; or
at least
(ii) the window
the window system
system shall
shall comply
comply with
with AS
AS 1530.8.2 when tested
1530.8.2 when tested from
from the
outside.
9.5.3 external doors
Doors—Side-hung external doors (including
(including French
French doors,
doors, panel
panel fold
fold and
and
bi-fold doors)
doors)
Side-hung external
doors, including
includingFrench
Frenchdoors,
doors,panel
panel fold
fold and
and bi-fold
bi-fold doors,
doors, shall
shall
comply with one of
of the following:
following:
(a) They shall
They shall be protected
protected by
by a bushfire
bushfire shutter
shutter that complies with Clause 9.5.1.
or
(b) They shall comply with the following:
following:
(i) All door systems,
systems, including
including doorframes
doorframesand
anddoors
doorswith
withglazed
glazedpanels,
panels,shall—
shall-
(A) have an
have an FRL
FRL of
ofatat least
least-/30/-;
-/30/-; or
(B) comply with AS 1530.8.2 when tested from the outside.
outside.
(ii) Doors shall
Doors shall be
be tight-fitting
tight-fitting toto the
the doorframe and toto an
doorframe and an abutting door, ifif
abutting door,
applicable.
Weather strips,
(iii) Weather strips, draught
draught excluders
excluders or
or draught
draught seals
seals shall
shall be installed
installed at the base
(iv) Seals shall not compromise the FRL or the performance achieved
achieved in
in AS
AS 1530.4.
1530.4.
9.5.4
9.5.4 Doors-Sliding
Doors—Slidingdoors
doors
following:
(a) They
They shall
shall be
be completely
shutter that
that complies
complies with
with
Clause 9.5.1.
9.5.1.
or
(b) They shall
shall comply
comply with
with the
the following:
following:
(i) All sliding
All sliding door
door systems, including those
systems, including thosewith
withglazed
glazedpanels,
panels,shall—
shall-
(A) have an
have anFRL
FRLof
of at
atleast
least-/30/-;
-/30/-; or
(B) comply with
with AS
AS 1530.8.2
1530.8.2 when
when tested
tested from the outside.
outside.
(ii) Sliding doors shall be
doors shall be tight-fitting
tight-fitting in
in the
the frames.
frames.
9.5.5
9.5.5 Doors-Vehicle
accessdoors
doors(garage
(garage doors)
doors)
The following apply
apply to vehicle access
access doors:
doors:
(a) Vehicle access doors shall be non-combustible.
(b) Where the garage is attached to the building, the requirements of Clause 3.2.2(b) shall
apply.
(c) Panel
Panel lift,
lift, tilt doors
doors or
or side-hung
side-hung doors
doors shall
shall be
be fitted
fitted with
with suitable
suitable weather
weather strips,
strips,
draught seals or guide tracks, as appropriate toto the
the door
door type,
type, with
with
a maximum gap
gap no greater
greater than
than 33 mm.
mm.
(d) Roller
Roller doors shall
shall have guide tracks with a maximum
maximum gap no greater
greater than 33 mm
mm and
shall
shall be fitted
fitted with aa nylon
nylon brush
brush that
that isis inincontact
contact with
with the
thedoor
door(see
(seeFigure
FigureD4,
D4,
Appendix D).
@ Standards Australia
WIT.3000.002.0186
77 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
(e) Vehicle access doors shall not include ventilation slots.

Vehicle access
»
9.6
9.6 ROOFS
ROOFS (INCLUDING
(INCLUDING VERANDA
VERANDA AND
AND ATTACHED
ATTACHED CARPORT
CARPORT ROOFS,
ROOFS,
PENETRATIONS, EAVES,
EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES,
GABLES, GUTTERS
GUTTERS AND
AND DOWNPIPES)
DOWNPIPES)
9.6.1 General
following apply to all types of
The following of roofs
roofs and
and roofing systems:
systems:
(a) The roof or roofing system shall be one
one of the following:
following:
. (i)
(i) A system
system complying with AS 1530.8.2
1530.8.2 when tested from
from the
the outside.
outside.
or
(ii) system with an FRL
A system FRL of 30/30/30
30/30/30 or
or -/30/30
-/30/30 when tested from the outside.
or
(iii) AAcombination
combinationof
ofItems
Items (i)
(i) and
and (ii)
(ii) above.
above.
(b) roof/wall junction
The roof/wall junction shall
shall be sealed, to prevent openings greater than 3 mm, either
. by the use
use of
of fascia
fascia and
and eaves
eaves linings or
or by
by sealing
sealing between
between the top
top of
of the
the wall
wall and
and
the underside between the
underside of the roof and between the rafters
rafters at the line of the wall.
openings, such
such as
as gable
gable and
and roof
roof vents,
vents, shall
shall be fitted
fitted with ember
ember
guards made
guards made of of non-combustible materialororaa mesh
or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aa
maximum
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel
steel or
or bronze.
bronze.
(d) conduit that
Pipe or conduit that penetrates
penetrates the
the roof
roof covering
covering shall
shall be metal, excluding
excluding aluminium.
aluminium.
Roof-mounted
Roof-mounted evaporative coolers are excluded from this level.
level.
9.6.2 Veranda,
9.6.2 Veranda,carport andand
carport awning roofsroofs
awning
The following
following apply to veranda, carport and awning roofs:
(a) A
A veranda,
veranda, carport or awning
awning roof part of
forming part of the roof space
the main roof space [see
[see
Figure
Figure DDl(a), AppendixD]
1(a), Appendix D]shall
shall meet
meet all
all the
the requirements for the
requirements for the main
main roof,
roof, as
as
specified
specified in Clauses 9.6.1, 9.6.3,
9.6.3, and
and 9.6.4.
9.6.4.
(b) A veranda, carport or awning
veranda, carport awning roof
roof separated
separated from
from the
the main
main roof
roof space
space by
by an
an external
external
wall [see
wall [see Figures
Figures DI(b)
Dl(b) and
and DDl(c),
l (c), Appendix
Appendix D]D] complying with Clause
complying with 9.4 shall
Clause 9.4 shall
have non-combustibleroof
roofcovering
coveringandandthe
thesupport
supportstructure
structureshall
shallbe—
be-
(ii) timber rafters
timber rafters lined
lined on the underside
fibre-cement sheet
sheet a minimum
minimum of
6 mm in thickness, or with material complying with AS 1530.8.2; or
AS 1530.8.2;
system complying with AS 1530.8.2; or
(iii) a system
(iv) combination of
a combination of any
any of
of Items
Items (i),
(i), (ii) or (iii) above.
9.6.3
9.6.3 Roof
Roof penetrations
penetrations
The following apply
The following applytotoroof
roofpenetrations:
penetrations:
(a) Roof
Roof penetrations, including roof
penetrations, including roof lights,
lights, roof
roof ventilators,
ventilators, aerials,
aerials, vent
vent pipes and
and
supports for
supports for solar
solar collectors,
collectors, shall
shall be
be sealed
sealed with
with mineral
mineral fibre
fibre at
at the
the roof
roof to
to prevent
prevent
gaps.
gaps. Where the gap between
Where the the roof covering
between the covering and the roof
roof penetration
penetration is greater
greater
than 3 mm, the material used to seal seal the penetration shallshall be
be non-combustible.
non-combustible.
NOTE:
NOTE: As As aa general
general principle,
principle, the service penetration
the service penetration should
should not
not significantly
significantly compromise
compromise
the
the performance
performance ofof the
the element
element of construction itit penetrates
of construction nor should
penetrates nor should itit be
be aa means
means to
to allow
allow
the passage
the passage of burning embers
embers or heat transfer
transfer such
such that fire may spread to the interior
interior of
of aa
structure.
www.standards.org.au @Standards
Australia
N III II III
WIT.3000.002.0187
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 78
78
(b) Roof lights and

and roof ventilators shall be
be one
one of
of the
the following:
following:
(i) A system
system complying
complying with
withAS
AS1530.8.2
1530.8.2 when
when tested
tested from
from the
the outside.
outside.
or
(ii) A system
system with an
an FRL of
of 30/30/30
30/30/30 or -/30/30
-/30/30when
whentested
tested from
from the
the outside.
outside.
9.6.4
9.6.4 Eaves
Eaves linings,
linings,fascias
fasciasand
andgables
gables
The following
following apply
applytotoeaves
eaves linings,
linings,fascias
fascias and
and gables:
gables:
(a) Joints
Joints in eaves linings, fascias
eaves linings, and gables
fascias and gablesmay
maybe
besealed
sealedwith
withplastic
plasticjoining
joining strips or
(b) Gables shall
Gables shall comply with Clause
comply with Clause 9.4.
9.4.
(c)
(e) Fascias and
Fascias andbargeboards
bargeboardsshall
shallcomply
comply with
with AS 1530.8.2.
1530.8.2.
(d) Eaveslinings
Eaves liningsshall
shallbe—
be-
(i) a system
systemwith
with an
an FRL
FRL of
of -/30/30;
-/30/30; or
(ii) a system complying with
with AS 1530.8.2; or
AS 1530.8.2;
(iii) a combination
combination of Items (i) and (ii) above.
(e) penetrations shall be protected
Eaves penetrations protected the same as for roof penetrations, as specified in
in
Clause 9.6.3.
Eaves ventilation openings
openings greater
greater than
than 3 mm
mm shall be fitted with
with ember
ember guards made
made
non-combustible material or a mesh or perforated
perforated sheet
sheet with
with aa maximum
maximum aperture
aperture
mm, made
of 2 mm, made ofof corrosion-resistant
steel or
or bronze.
downpipes
This Standard
This Standard does
does not
not provide
provide construction-specific
material requirements
requirements for
for downpipes.
downpipes.
If installed, gutter and valley leaf guards shall be non-combustible.
Gutters shall be non-combustible.
Box gutters shall
Box gutters shall be non-combustible and flashed
at the
the junction
junction with
with the roof with non-
non-
combustible materials.
materials.
9.7 VERANDAS,
9.7 VERANDAS,DECKS,
DECKS,STEPS, RAMPS AND
STEPS, RAMPS AND LANDINGS
LANDINGS
9.7.1 General
Decking shall be either spaced or continuous
continuous (i.e., without spacings).
There
requirement to enclose the subfloor
subfloor spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps or
landings.
C9.7.1 Spaced
C9.7.1 Spaced decking is nominally spaced spaced at 33 mm
mm (in
(in accordance
accordance with
with standard
standard industry
practice); however,
however, due
due to the the nature
nature of
of timber
timber decking
decking with
withseasonal
seasonal changes
changes in moisture
moisture
content, that
spacing maymay range
range from
from 0-5 mm during service.
service. The preferred dimension
The preferred dimension for
for
gaps is 3 mm,
gaps mm,which
which isis in
in line
line with other permissible
'permissible gaps',
gaps', ininother
otherparts
parts ofofthis
thisStandard.
Standard.
It should
It should be
be noted that recent
recent research
research studies have
have shown
shown that gaps
gaps at 5 mm
mm spacing
spacing afford
afford
opportunity
opportunity for embers to become
for embers become lodged
lodged in between
between timbers,
timbers, which may contribute
which may contribute to aa
Largergap
fire. Larger gapspacings
spacings ofof10 10mm
mm may
may preclude
preclude this
this from
fromhappening
happening butbutsuch
such aa spacing
spacing
regime may
may not
not be
bepractical
practical for aatimber
timberdeck.
deck.

111111111R111111
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79 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
9.7.2 Enclosed
9.7.2 Enclosed subfloor
subfloorspaces
spaces of
of verandas,
verandas, decks,
landings
9.7.2.1 Materials
9.7.2.1 Materialstotoenclose
enclose aa subfloor
subfloor space
space
The subfloor
The spaces of
subfloor spaces of verandas, decks, steps,
verandas, decks, steps, ramps
ramps and
and landings are deemed
landings are to be
deemed to be
ènclosed' when-
'enclosed' when—
(a) the material used to enclose the subfloor space complies with Clause 9.4; and
(b) all openings
all greater than
openings greater than 3 mm
mm are
are screened
screened with
with a mesh or perforated
maximum aperture of 2 mm, made of corrosion-resistant steel
steel or
or bronze.
bronze.
Supports
9.7.2.2 Supports
This
This Standard
Standard does
does not
not provide
requirements for
for support
support posts,
posts, columns,
columns,
and poles.
poles.
9.7.2.3
9.7.2.3 Framing
Framing
This Standard
This Standard does
does not provide
of verandas,
verandas,
joists).
9.7.2.4 Decking
9.7.2.4 Decking
Decking shall
Decking shallhave
haveno
nogaps
gapsand
andbe—
be-
(b) fibre-cement sheet; or
of fibre-cement
(c) a system complying with AS 1530.8.2; or
(d) combination of any of Items
a combination Items (a), (b)
(b) or (c) above.
9.7.3 Unenclosed
subfloor spaces
spaces of verandas, decks, steps, ramps and landings
steps, ramps landings
9.7.3.1 Supports
Supports
Support posts,
Support posts, columns,
columns,stumps,
stumps,stringers,
stringers,piers
piersand
andpoles
polesshall
shallbe—
be-
(b) a system complying
complying with
with AS
AS 1530.8.2;
1530.8.2; or
(c) a combination of Items (a) and (b) above.
above.
9.7.3.2 Framing
Framing
Framing of
verandas, decks,
decks,ramps
rampsororlandings
landings(i.e.,
(i.e.,bearers
bearersand
andjoists)
joists)shall
shallbe—
be-
1530.8.2; or
(c) combination of Items (a) and (b) above.
a combination
9.7.3.3 Decking
9.7.3.3 Decking
Deckingshall
Decking shallhave
haveno
nogaps
gapsand
andbe—
be-
or
(b) fibre-cement
fibre-cement sheet; or
(c) a system complying with AS
AS 1530.8.2;
1530.8.2; or
(d) a combination
combination of Items (a), (b) or (c).above.

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9.7.4 Balustrades,
9.7.4 handrails or
Balustrades, handrails or other
other barriers
Those parts of the handrails and balustrades
balustrades less than 125
125 mm from
from any
any glazing
glazing shall
shall be of
non-combustible material.
Those parts of the handrails
Those parts handrails and
and balustrades
balustrades that are
are 125
125 mm or more
more from
from the
the building
building
9.8
9.8 WATER
WATERAND
AND GAS
GAS SUPPLY
SUPPLY PIPES
Above-ground, exposed water and
and gas supply pipes shall be
be metal.

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AS 3959-2009
APPENDIX
APPENDIX A
WORKED EXAMPLE FOR
FOR THE ASSESSMENT OFBUSHFIRE
ASSESSMENT OF BUSHFIREATTACK
ATTACK
LEVEL (BAL)
(Informative)
(Informative)
Al GENERAL
GENERAL
The following criteria
The criteria forms
forms the
the basis
basis of
ofthe
theworked
worked example
example shown
shown in Paragraph
Paragraph A2A2 for
bushfire category
category determination using Method Method 1,1, set
set out
out in
in Section
Section 2.
2. Table
Table 2.4.3
2.4.3 has
has been
been
selected as
selected as aa basis
basisfor
for this
this worked
worked example and and inputs used
used are
are contained
contained in
in Table 2.4.1:
(a) Relevant FDI ................................................................................................. 80.
(b) Flame temperature .........................................................................................1090
Flame temperature .1090 K.
K.
(c) Slope ..................................:...I........................................ downslope
Slope downslope >0
>0 to
to 55degrees.
degrees.
(d) classification .................................................................................
Vegetation classification , Forest.
(e) Building
Building location
location...............................40
40inmfrom
fromthe
theedge
edgeofofthe
theclassified
classified vegetation.
vegetation.
A2 WORKED
WORKED EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
For
For this
this worked
worked example, the table
example, the table used
used is for
for FDI
FDI80.80. The
The relevant
relevant FDI,
FDI, the
the slope
slope
(5 degrees),
(5 degrees),vegetation
vegetationclassification
classification(forest)
(forest)and
anddistance
distanceofofthe
the site
site (40 m) from the
(40 m) the
classified vegetation have
havebeen
beenhighlighted
highlightedinin the
the table
table to
to follow. For
For this
this example,
example, the
the
determinedBushfire
determined BushfireAttack
AttackLevel
LevelisisBAL—19.
BAL-19.
www.standards:org.au © Standards Australia
111111111111111
WIT.3000.002.0191
wrr.30oo.oo2.oi9i
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 82
TABLE Al
TABLE
DETERMINATION OF
DETERMINATION OF BUSHFIRE ATTACKLEVEL
BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL)i
(BAL) 80 (1090 K)
|piMSpJM)
Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL)
(BAL)
Vegetation BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ BAL-40
BAL—40 BAL-29
BAL—29 BAL-19
BAL—19 | BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5
classification Distance (m) of the site from the
the predominant
vegetation class
class
All upslopes
AH upslopes and flat
flat land
land (0
(0 degrees)
degrees)
A. Forest
A. Forest <16
<16 . 16-<21
16-<21 21-<31 31-<42 42-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <10
<10 10-<14 14-<20
14-<20. 20-<29 29-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <10
<10 10-<13 13-<19
13-<19 19-<27 27-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <7
<7 7-<9 9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
6-<8 8-<12
8-<12 12-<17 17-<100
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <6 6-<9 9-.<13
9-<13 13-<19 19-<100
Downslope,>0
A. Forest
A. Forest <20
<20 20-<27 27-<37 37-<50 50-<100
B. Woodland
B. Woodland <13
<13 13-<17
13-<17 17-<25 25-<35 • 35-<100
C. Shrubland
C.Shrubland <11
<11 11-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <7
<7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<100
7-<9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<100
F.
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <8
<8 8-<ll
8-<11 11-<17
11-<17 17-<24 24-<100
Downslope >5 to
to 10
10 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <26
<26 26-<33 33-<46 46-<61
46-<61 61-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <16
<16 16-<22 22-<31.
22-<31 31-<43 43-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland <12
<12 12-<17 17-<24 24-<35 35-<100
D. Scrub
D. Scrub <8
<8 8-<ll
8-<11 11-<17 17-<25 25-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<23 23-<100
Rainforest
F. Rainforest <11 11-<15 15-<22 22-<31 31-<100
Downsl ope >10 to 15
Downslope 15 degrees
degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <33
<33 3.3-<42
3.3-<42 42-<56 56-<73 73-<100
B.
B. Woodland
Woodland <21
<21 21-<28 28-<39 39-<53 53-<100
C.
C. Shrubland
Shrubland <14
<14 14-<19 19-<28 28-<39 39-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <9
<9 9-<13
9-<13 13-<19 19-<28 28-<100
8-<ll 11-<18 18-<26 26-<l00
26-<100
F. Rainforest
F. Rainforest <14
<14 14-<19 19-<28 28-<39 39-<100

degrees
A. Forest
A. Forest <42
<42 42-<52 52-<68 68-<87 87-<100
B. Woodland
Woodland <27
<27 27-<35 35-<48 48-<64 64-<100
C. Shrubland
C. Shrubland <15
<15 15-<21 21-<31
21-<31 3l-<43
31-<43 43-<100
D.
D. Scrub
Scrub <10
<10 10-<15 15-<22 22-<31
22-<31 31-<100
E. Mallee/Mulga <9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100
F.
F. Rainforest
Rainforest <18 18-<25 25-<36 36-<48 48-<100
Australia
W1T.3000.002.0192
WIT.3000.002.0192
83 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX
DETAILED METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE
FOR DETERMINING THE BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
ATTACK LEVEL
(BAL)-METHOD 22
(BAL)—METHOD
(Normative)
B1
Bl GENERAL
GENERAL
The following procedure
The procedure shall apply
apply to
to determine
determine the
the category
category of bushfire
bushfire attack
attack on
on aa
detailed basis for
detailed basis for all circumstances where the
circumstances where the effective
effective slope
slope under
under the
the classified
vegetation
is no more
more than
than '30 degrees downslope
30 degrees downslopeand andthe
theslope
slopeof
of the
the land
land between
between thethe site
site and
and the
the
vegetation is
classified vegetation is no
no more
more than
than 20
20 degrees,
degrees, regardless
regardless ofof slope type:
(a) 1: Determine the
Step 1: relevant
relevant FDI or wind
FDI or wind speed in accordance with
B2.
Paragraph B2.
(b) 2:
Step 2: Determine the vegetation classification, fuel loads and vegetation
height in accordance with
with Paragraph
Paragraph B3.
(c) Step 3: Determine the effective
effective slope under the classified
classified vegetation in accordance
accordance
with Paragraph B4.
(d) Determinethe
Step 4: Determine the slope,
slope, inin degrees, of the
degrees, of the land
land between the site
between the site and
and the
the
vegetation in
in accordance
accordance with Paragraph
Paragraph B5.
B5.
(e) Determine the distance
Step 5: Determine distance of the site from classified
vegetation in accordance
with Paragraph B6.
(f)
(f) 6 Calculate the flame length
Step 6: length in
in accordance with Paragraph
Paragraph B7.
B7.
(g)
(g) Step 7:
7 Determine flame width in accordance with Paragraph B8.
(h) 8 Determine the elevation of receiver in accordance with
Step 8: with Paragraph
Paragraph B9.
(i)
(i) 9 Calculate the
Step 9: the radiant
radiant heat
heatflux
flux in
inaccordance
accordancewith
withParagraph
ParagraphBBIO.
10.
(j)
(J) Step 10:
10: Determine
Determine the
thecategory
categoryofofbushfire
bushfireattack
attackininaccordance
accordanceParagraph
ParagraphBBl
11..
1.
CBI The
CB1 Thereason
reason why
why thethe effective
effective slope
slope under
under the
the classified
vegetation isis limited
limited toto
30 degrees
degreesdownslope
downslope(Ref(Ref.1)1)isisthat
that convective
convectiveheatheatfrom
from bushfire
bushfire flames
flames isis no
no longer
negligible
negligible and the relationship
relationship used
used to adjust theforward
adjust the forward rate of of spread for the
spread for the effective
effective
slope becomes
slope inapplicable when
becomes inapplicable when the the effective
effective slope
slope isis over
over the
the 30 degrees
degreesdownslope
downslopelimitlimit
(Ref
(Ref. 2).
2).
The reason why
The reason why the
the slope
slope of thethe land
land between the site
and the
the classified
vegetation is
limited toto 20
20 degrees
degrees is
is that
that the
the establishment
establishment and
and the
the maintenance
maintenance ofof the
the setback
setback between
between
the site vegetation may become
site and the vegetation become impractical when the slope
impractical when slope of the land between
between the
site and the classified vegetation
vegetation isis over
over 20
20degrees
degrees (Ref.
(Ref. 3).
B2 STEP
B2 STEP 1-RELEVANT
1—RELEVANTFDI
FDIOR
ORWIND
WINDSPEED
SPEED
Determine the
Determine the relevant
relevant FDI
FDI or wind
wind speed as follows:
speed as follows:
(a) For forests,
For forests, woodlands,
woodlands, rainforest
rainforest and
and other forest
forest group
group vegetation
vegetation classifications,
classifications,
determine
determine thethe relevant
relevant Forest
ForestFire
Fire Danger
DangerIndex
Index(FDI)
(FDI) for the site in accordance
accordance with
with
Clause 2.3
Clause 2.3 or
or obtain
obtain other
other data
data sets
setsprovided
providedbybythe
theauthority
authorityhaving
havingjurisdiction
jurisdiction for
the site.
(b) For heath,
heath, shrub
shrub and
and scrub
scrub vegetation classifications, aa nominal
vegetation classifications, nominal value
value of
of 45
45 km/h
km/h
used for
shall be used wind speed
for wind speed to determine
determine rate of spread.
spread.
NOTE: Wind
NOTE: Windspeeds
speeds are measured
measured and
andreported
reportedfor
for aaheight
height of
of 10 m above ground
in above ground level.
level.

11110111111
WIT.3000.002.0193
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 84
B3 STEP
B3 2-VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION
STEP 2—VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION
Determinethe
Determine thevegetation
vegetationclassification—
classification-
(a) in accordance with Clause 2.4; and
accordance with and
(b) select the appropriate
select the appropriatepotential
potential surface
surfacefuel
fuelload
load (w),
(w), overall
overall fuel
fuel load
load (W)
(W) and
and
classified vegetation height
height (VH) from Table
Table B2 oror other
other data
data sets
sets provided
provided by by the
relevant fire
relevant fire authority
authority for the site.
NOTE: Both
Both the understorey
understorey and the canopy should be considered
considered in the assessment.
assessment. The rate of of
spread for
spread for forest
forest fires should
should be
be determined
determined using
using the understorey
understorey fuel
fuel loads.
loads. Flame
Flame heights
heights
should
should be determined
determined on the basis of both the combined
combined understorey
understorey and canopy fuels
fuels (overall
fuel
fuel loads) for forest fires.
CB3 The
CB3 Thevegetation
vegetation classification
classification system
system in
in Section
Section 2 and in
in this
this Appendix
Appendix isis based
based on aa
national
national system developed by
system developed by R.
R. Specht
Specht (Ref. 4). Some
(Ref. 4). Some States and Territories
States and Territories have
have
developed their own
developed their own systems
systemsfor for vegetation
vegetationclassification,
classification,which
which may
may vary
vary in extent
extent or
or
those provided
description to those herein.
provided herein.
For example,
example, in NSW,
NSW, aa system
system has been established by
been established by D.
D. Keith (Ref.
(Ref. 5) and
and fuel.
fuel, loads
loads
have been
have been extensively
extensivelyresearched
researchedforforthat
that State.
State.This
This may
may not
not be
be comparable
comparable to to other
which may
States/Territories, which may have different fuel
have significantly different fuel loads
loads or different
different
descriptions for
descriptions for a similar vegetation
vegetation classification.
classification.
Consultation with
Consultation with relevant
relevant fire authorities
authorities isis important
important to
to establish
establish any
any variations
variations from
from the
the
values
valuesprovided
provided in Table B2 below.
below.
B4 STEP
STEP 3-EFFECTIVE
3—EFFECTIVESLOPE
SLOPEUNDER
UNDERTHE
THECLASSIFIED
CLASSIFIED VEGETATION
VEGETATION
Determine the effective
Determine the effective slope
slope (in
(indegrees)
degrees) under
under the
the classified
vegetation ininaccordance
accordance
with Clause 2.6.
with Clause
CB4 The The effective

effective slope
slope under
under thethe classified
vegetation is not the
the same
same as as average
average slope
slope
for the
the land
land surrounding
surrounding thethe site
site ofofthe
theproposed
proposed building.
building. The
The effective
effective slope
slope is that slope
slope
which most significantly influences
most significantly influences firefire behaviour.
behaviour. For
For example,
example, two
two slopes
slopes may
may occur in in
an area, one downslope
downslope andand One
one upslope,
upslope, but
but together
together they
they average
average asas 00 degrees, where in
degrees, where
practice
practice oneone of
of the
the slopes
slopes will
willinfluence
influencefirefirebehaviour.
behaviour.InInsome
somecases,
cases, rocky
rocky shelf
shelf faces
faces
without
without vegetation cannot influence
vegetation cannot influence fire behaviour whereas the
behaviour whereas the shelf
shelf slope
slope itself
itself can.
can. In
some
some cases;
cases,effective
effectiveslope
slope will have to
will have to be
be determined
determined byby survey.
survey.
B5 STEP
B5 STEP 4-SLOPE
4—SLOPEBETWEEN
BETWEENSITE
SITEAND
AND CLASSIFIED
VEGETATION
Determinethe
Determine the slope
slope (in
(in degrees) of the
degrees) of the ground
ground between the site
and the
the classified
classified
vegetation
vegetation (Point B to Point A,
A,see
see Figure 2.1).
2.1).
CB5
CBS TheTheslope
slope between
and the
the classified
classified vegetation has an
vegetation has an effect
effect on
on the
the `view
'view
factor' determined
factor' for a given
determined for position. It is
given position. is the
the slope along the
slope along the ground
ground byby line
line of
of sight
sight
between
between the
thepredominant and the
predominant vegetation and the site.
site.
B6 STEP
STEP 5-DISTANCE
5—DISTANCEOF
OFTHE
THESITE
SITEFROM
FROM CLASSIFIED
VEGETATION
Determine the distance
Determine the distance(in
(in plan
plan view)
view) of the
the site
site from the
the classified
vegetation (Point A to
to
B, see
Point B, see Figure 2.1) in
in accordance
accordance with
withClause
Clause 2.5.
2.5.
© Standards
Standards Australia www.standards.org.au -
II
WIT.3000.002.0194
85 AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
B7
B7 STEP 6-FLAME LENGTH
STEP 6—FLAME LENGTH
Flame length shall be calculated as
Flame length as follows:
(a) Apply anan appropriate
appropriate fire
fire behaviour
behaviour equation
equation ininTable
TableBBl,1, based on the vegetation
based on vegetation
classification
classification and
and corresponding
corresponding fuel fuel loads
loads determined
determined in in Paragraph B3 above,
Paragraph B3 above, to
to
obtain a value for the forward rate
rate of spread
spread of the fire
fire (R).
(R).
(b) Correct the
Correct the forward
forward rate
rate of
of spread of the
spread of the fire
fire (R)
(R) for
for effective
effective slope
slope using
using the
the
following rules
rules (Ref.
(Ref. 6):
6):
Rslope= = R
^siope R exp
exp (0.069 slope) for downslope
for downslope
=
Rslope = R
-Ksiope R exp
exp (-0.069
(-0.069 slope) for level
for level or upslope
upslope (see Commentary
Commentary CB7)
CB7)
where
Rslope= = forward
•Rsiope forward rate of spread adjusted effective slope (km/h)
adjusted for effective (km/h)
R = forward
forwardrate
rateofofspread
spread(km/h),
(km/h),determined
determined in
in Item
Item (a)
slope == effective
effectiveslope
slope(degrees),
(degrees),determined
determinedininParagraph
Paragraph B4
B4 above
above
(c) Go
Go to Item
Item (d) below
below ifif the
the fuel
fuel type
typeassociated
associated with
withthe
thevegetation
classification
determined in Clause B3 is Forest or Woodlands;
Woodlands; otherwise
otherwise calculate
calculate the
the fire intensity
(I) in
(1) kW/m in using:
using:
I/ == HW
HW Rslope
Rslope /36
/36(Ref.
(Ref. 7) ...
. . . B1
B1
where
H = heat
heatofofcombustion
combustion (18
(18 600
600 kJ/kg)
kJ/kg)
W = overall
overallfuel
fuelload
load(t/ha),
(t/ha),determined
Paragraph B3
B3 above
above
=
^siope = adjusted
Rslope adjusted forward
forward rate of
of spread (km/h), determined
determined in
in
Paragraph B7(b)
(d) Calculateflame
Calculate flamelength
length(Xf)—
(Lf)-
and other forest forms):
For Forest or Woodlands (Rainforest and forms):
LLf{ == [13 i? slope +
Rslope 0.24 WJ/2
+ 0.24W]/2 (Ref. 3)
(Ref. ....
. . B2
where
Rslope= = forward
-Rsiope forward rate of spread adjustedfor
spread adjusted for slope
slope (km/h)
(km/h)
W == overall
overallfuel
fuelload
load(t/ha),
(t/ha),determined
ParagraphB3
B3ab
above
ove
For Shrub and
and Heath
Heath or Mallee and
and Mulga or Tussock moorland:
moorland:
Lf
Z f = 0.07751 046
0.0775/ 0.46 (Ref. 7) ...
. . . B3
B3
where
I/ == fireline intensity
fireline intensity (kW/m)
CB7 The
CB7 The bushfare behaviour equations
bushfire behaviour equationspredict
predictthe
the head
head fire
fire behaviour
behaviour andand are
are
empirical
empirical in nature. These equations may not be accurate
nature. These equations may not be accurate in in all situations
situations due
due to
to
(a) their
(a) their empirical
empirical nature
nature and
and (b)
(b) the
the extrapolation
extrapolation ofof them
them beyond
beyond thethe original
original
conditions under
under which
whichthey
theywere
weredeveloped.
developed.
Flame length
Flame length (Lf)
(Lj) is
is taken
taken asas the
the sustained flame length,
sustained flame length, which
which adjusts the standard
adjusts the standard
flame length
flame length equation
equation for for forest
forest type
type vegetation
vegetation (Ref. 6) reducing
(Ref. 6) reducing it by half,
half,which
whichtakes
takes
into account
account flame
flame discontinuity
discontinuity and adjusting for lower
adjusting for lower flame
flame temperatures
temperatures and flame
geometry.
www.standards:org.au
www.standards.org.au © Sthndards
Standards Australia
Australia
D___
11131111111MIN
U'
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WIT.3000.002.0195
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 86
B8 STEP
B8 7-FLAME WIDTH
STEP 7—FLAME WIDTH
Flame width
Flame width is assumed to be
assumed to be 100
100 min unless the width of
unless the of classified
vegetation and/or
and/or thethe
orientation between
relative orientation between the classified
vegetation and
and the
the site
sitejustify the use
justify the use of
of aa lesser
lesser
value.
B9
B9 STEP 8-ELEVATION OF
STEP 8—ELEVATION OFRECEIVER
RECEIVER
The elevation of
The elevation of the
the receiver
receiver(h) (h) refers
referstoto the
the level
level at
at which
which thethe site
site will
will receive
receive the the
incident radiant heat
incident radiant heat flux
flux and
and itit isis to
tobe
be measured from the ground
measured from ground level of the the site
site (see
(see
Figure B
Bl).
1). Depending
Depending on the purpose
purpose of of the assessment,
assessment,ititshall
shall be
be determined
determined asas follows:
follows:
(a) If the
the purpose
purpose of
of the
the assessment
assessment isisto to determine
determinethe theradiant
radiantheat
heatflux
flux to
to which
which a
specific level
specific level of the
the site
site might
might be be exposed
exposed (for
(for instance
instance the
the window level),
level), the
the
elevation of the receiver shall be taken
elevation taken at that specific
specific level (see
(see Figure B 1). For
Bl). For all
other
other purposes,
purposes,the
theelevation
elevationof
of the
the receiver
receiver shall
shalltake
takethe
thelevel
level giving
giving the maximum
and shall be
view and be determined
determined in accordance
accordance withwith Item (b) or (c)
(c) below.
below.
(b) To determine the radiant
determine the radiant heat
heatflux
flux for aa site
site where
where the
the flame
flame centre is equal
centre is equal to or
lower than the ground
ground level, then the ground
then the ground level
level of the site
site is
is used
used for the
the purpose
purpose
of assessment,
assessment, i.e.,
i.e., hh == 0 (m) (see
(see Figure
Figure B2).
(c) If the
If the flame
flame centre
centre level
level isis higher
higher than
than ground
ground level of of the
the site,
site, the
the elevation
elevation of
of the
the
receiver isis taken
receiver taken at
at the
the flame
flame centre
centre level,
level, i.e.,
i.e., A
h = 0.5Z
0.5 Lf sina -d tang
f sina-d tan# (m)
(m)(see
(see
Figure B3).
I
I
f-I Ii
',
1
— LrLi (sin aa -- cosa
cos « tan
tan9)(
1
d-0.5 Lt cosa — (d-
[d- 0.5
0.5 Lr
L, cos
cos a)
«) tan
tan 00
d
B1 SPECIFIC LEVEL IS PROVIDED

FIGURE 131
FIGURE PROVIDED FOR ASSESSMENT

WIT.3000.002.0196
87
87 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
mozzzt:n
j S \y\
]/!' / i ! Ground level hh=0

=0 w
. i
[ ,
/ \ \ ^
f ,
\y I I Flame center level

level ^-^
,
•i
,
,
! j! ^**^
^^^
a
— LL, i (sin aa-- cos
cosaa tan 9)
tanfl)
d-0.5L1cosa ((d-
d - 0.5
0.5 L,
Li cos a) tan
cosa) tan 0
d
FIGURE B2
FIGURE B2 FLAME
FLAMECENTRE
CENTRELOWER
LOWER THAN
THAN GROUND
GROUND
Flame center level

h=0.5L,sina-dtan0
Ground level
of -0.5 L, cos a
f-
1
I
1
— LLf
— (d-
(sin aa-cosa
t (sin
(of- 0.5
0.5 L,
- c o s atan
i.f cos
cos a)
tan0)
a)tan0
tan 0
0)
FIGURE
FIGURE B3
B3 FLAME
FLAMECENTRE
CENTREHIGHER
HIGHER THAN
THAN GROUND
GROUND
B10
BIO STEP
STEP 9-RADIANT
9—RADIANTHEAT
HEAT FLUX
FLUX
B10.1
B10.1 General
General
The kW/m2 to
The radiant heat flux (q) in kW/m2 to which
which the
the site
site might
might be
be exposed
exposed shall
shall be calculated
calculated
using the radiant heat transfer law
law with atmospheric
atmospheric transmissivity
transmissivity correction, as follows:
follows:
qq=rqE
= r$E ...B4
...B4
where
2
E
E =
= flame
flame emissive power (kW/m
(kW/m2),), determined in accordance
accordance with
B 10.2
Paragraph B 10.2
0
^ ==view factor,
view determined
factor, in accordance
determined in accordancewith
withParagraph
ParagraphBB10.3
10.3
ror = atmospheric
atmospherictransmissivity,
transmissivity,determined
determinedininaccordance
accordance with
withParagraph
Paragraph BB10.4
10.4

YIIIIII
WIT.3000.002.0197
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 88
B10.2 Flame
B10.2 Flameemissive
emissive power
Flame
Flame emissive power (E)
emissive power (E) shall
shall be calculated
calculated using
using the
the Stefan-Boltzmann
Stefan-Boltzmann equation,
equation, as
follows:
E = o-eT{4
E=a-eTf (Ref.8)
(Ref. 8) ...
. . . B5
B5
where
4
a ==Stefan-Boltzman
Stefan-Boltzmanconstant
constant(5.67
(5.67x x10-11
10"" kW/m^K" )
kW/M-2 K7`1)
s ==flame emissivity
flame (assumes
emissivity (assumes0.95)
0.95)(see
(seeCommentary
Commentary CB10.2)
Tf
7> == flame temperature
flame temperature(see
(seeCommentary
CommentaryCB 10.2)
CB10.2)
CB10.2 The Theapplication

applicationofofthe
theStefan-Boltzmann
Stefan-Boltzmann equation
equationisisbased
basedononthe
theassumptions
assumptions
that
that aa bushfire
bushfire flame
flame emits
emits radiation
radiation at
at aasurface
surface and
and that
that flame
flame temperature
temperature and
and
emissivity are
are uniform
uniformacross
across thethe whole
whole flame
flame surface
surface (Ref.
(Ref. 9).
9).
The
The above
above assumptions
assumptions areare generally
generally justified
justified considering
considering that
that the
the overwhelming
overwhelming
difficulty associated
associated with
with the
the accurate
accurate measurement
measurement of flameflame temperatures
temperatures and frame
flame
emissivity in
emissivity in both
both laboratory
laboratory andand field
field environments
environments as aswell
well asas the
the level
level of
of the
the
uncertainly resulting
uncertainly resulting from
from the flame length
the flame length modelling
modelling with thethe existing
existing empirical
empirical
behaviour equations.
bushfire behaviour equations.
The
The prediction
prediction ofof flame
flame emissive
emissive power
power using
usingthetheStefan-Boltzmann
Stefan-Boltzmann equation
equation
necessitatesthe
necessitates theknowledge
knowledge of ofthe
thetemperature
temperature(Tj) (T)ofof the
the emitting
emitting flame
flame andand its
its
emissivity (s). A nominal
emissivity nominal flame
flame em. issivity of
emissivity of 0.95
0.95 is considered
considered toto be justified as
be justified as the
the
bushfire flames
bushfire flames under
under design
design fire
fire weather
weather scenarios
scenarios areare generally
generally optically
optically thick
thick
(e*l).
(E 1).
The predicted
The predicted flame
flame emissive power is very sensitive
emissive power sensitive to flame
flame temperature.
temperature. Therefore
Therefore
the selection of the
the selection the nominal
nominal flame
flame temperature
temperaturefor
for calculation
calculation isis critical to
tomake
make sure
sure
that the
the construction
construction standard
standard determined
determined with this
this flame
flame temperature
temperature together
together with
with
other
other input
input parameters
parameters cancan provide
provide an
an adequate level of
adequate level of stringency
stringency or safety
safety at aa
reasonable cost.
cost.
The existing scientific literature
The existing literature suggests
suggests that
that flame
flame temperatures
temperatures forfor determining
determining flame
flame
emissive
emissive power greatly and
power vary greatly and the
the majority
majority of of them fall within
them fall within aarange
rangebetween
between
1000 KK and
1000 and 1200
1200 K (Ref. 10).
K (Ref. 10). An appropriate flame
An appropriate flame temperature
temperature is is chosen
chosen from the
the
above range
above accordance with
range in accordance minimum level of stringency
with the minimum stringency or or safety
safety required
required by
by
the relevant
the relevant authority
authority having
havingjurisdiction.
jurisdiction.
B10.3 View
B10.3 View factor
factor
View factor
factor oror configuration
configuration factor
factor isis aageometrical
geometrical factorfactor required
required by
by calculating
calculating the
the
radiant heat
heat flux to which
which aa site
site might
might be be exposed,
exposed, whichwhich isis aa function
function of flame
flame geometry,
geometry,
location of
of radiant
radiant heat
heat flux receiving
receiving element
element i.e. i.e. radiation
radiation receiver
receiver and
and relative orientation
orientation
between the flame
between the flame and
and the
thereceiver.
receiver.ForForthethetilted
tilted flame
flame shown
shownin in Figure
Figure B4,
B4, the
the view
view factor
($) shall
(0) shall be
be calculated
calculated using
using one
one of
of the
the following:
following:
(a) If
If dd :!g
<, 0.5Lfcosa,
0.51fcosa, then
then0^==11
or

Wrr.3000.002.0198
WIT.3000.002.0198
89 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
(b) if
if dd >>0.5Ltcos
0. 5ZfCos a, then
then
11 *X,, tan
Y>
Yi
+ Yi
tan
X
tan" •+ tan"
9
n 1+X;2
lVi+^ I ViTxf
1+X; ^Y]
1+Y2 I+Y,2
B6
X,_,
—.—!—tan tan
YZ YZ
tan
:tan"
_, X2
ViTx
1+XZ ViTx
1+XZ V __
i+Y22
+^ V^tf
1+y2
Xl = (Z
(Lff sina
sincr - 0.5Lf tan0 -- d tang
0.5i f cosa tan# toad -_ h)/(d
h)/(d -- 0.5Lf
0.5L{ cosa)
cosa)
X2 = [h + (d-
(d - 0.5Lf
0.5Lf cosa)
cosa) tang]/(d - 0.5Lf
tand]/(d -0.5L { cosa)
cosa)
Yi =
Y\ Y2 == 0.5
Y2 0.5W(/(d - 0.5Lf
Wf/(d- 0.5L{ cosa)
cosa)
where
iLf
f = flame length
flame length (m), determined
determined in Paragraph B7
Wf = flame
flamewidth,
width,determined
determined in
inParagraph
Paragraph B8
aa = flame angle (degrees), determined
determined using the algorithm
algorithm in
in Figure
Figure B5
B5
0 = slope
slope of
of the
theland
landbetween
between the
thesite
siteand
andthe
theclassified
vegetation
(degrees), determined in Paragraph B5
d distance between
= distance between the site and classified
vegetation (m),
(m), determined
determined in
in
Paragraph B6
h elevation of receiver (m), determined
= elevation Paragraph B9
determined in Paragraph
The calculation
The calculation of view factor
factor requires the knowledge
knowledge of flame length,
length, flame
flame width,
width, flame
flame
angle, slope
angle, slope of the land between the
land between the site and the classified
vegetation, distance
distance of of the
the site
from classified
from vegetation, and
classified vegetation, and elevation
elevation of receiver.
receiver. When
When flame
flame length, flame
flame width,
width, slope
slope
of the land between
between the
the site and
and the classified
vegetation, distance of the site from
from classified
classified
vegetation and
vegetation and elevation
elevation of
of receiver
receiver are given, view factor changes with flame flame angle
angle only
only
and reaches the maximum
maximum for for a flame angle between
between the minimum
minimum and the maximum.
maximum. It It is
this maximum
this maximum view viewfactor
factorthat
that shall
shall be
be used
used to
to calculate radiant heat
calculate radiant heat flux
flux so
so that
that the
the
potential risk associated with flame
flame angle is minimized.
The maximum view factor
maximum view factor and
and the corresponding flame angle
corresponding flame angle may be determined
determined using the
algorithm shown in Figure B5.
CB10.3
CB10.3 The
The derivation of the
derivation of the view
view factor equation is based
factor equation based on
on the
the following
following
assumptions:
Assumption 1: The
Assumption The view
viewfactor
factor of an inclined flame can be be approximated
approximated by by that
that of a
vertical flame
flame with
with the
the same flame height
same flame height located
located in the
the middle
middle of the
the inclined
inclined flame.
flame.
This
This assumption enablesthe
assumption enables theflame
flametilt
tilt effect
effectto
to be
betaken
takeninto
into account
accountand
anditit is
is justified
by the
the CSIRO's
CSIRO's laboratory experimental research
laboratory experimental research findings (Ref.
(Ref. 11).
Assumption 2: The
Assumption radiant heat
The radiant heat flux
flux receiver
receiver is
is aligned
aligned with
with the
the vertical
vertical axis
axis of the
the
flame
flame and
and itit isisparalleled
paralleled totothe
theequivalent
equivalent vertical
vertical flame
flame located
located in
in the
the middle
middle of
of the
the
inclined flame (see Figure BI).
(see Figure Bl).
The above
The above assumptions
assumptionsrepresent
representaapotential
potential worst
worst case
case scenario
scenario and
and therefore
therefore a safety
safety
factor has
has been
been implicitly incorporated
incorporated into
intothe
the determination
determination of
of view factor.
view factor.

1311111111111111 u
WIT.3000.002.0199
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 90
90
1
p
I
r, C
-L,(sina-cosa
1
— L i ( s i n a - cosa tan
tan<0)
1
— (-0.5L1cosa)tan0
(dd - 0.5 Li cos a) tan 6
FIGURE B4
FIGURE B4 DIAGRAM
DIAGRAMFOR
FORCALCULATING
CALCULATINGVIEW
VIEWFACTOR
FACTOR

WIT.3000.002.0200
wrr.3000.002.0200
91
91 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
Begin
Begin
Assign
Assign initial values
values
co = G,
do = 0, co
0O== cp(ao),
0(ao), A Aaa = Aao
Aa0
Let a, == a
Letch ao + Aa
0+ Aa and
and01
01==(1)(a1)
0(aO
CDo
00 ==4i
*1
Aa ==Aa/
Aa 1o
Aa/to Let a2
Leta 2 ==ai
a,++Aa
Aa and
and ch2
0 2 == <t>(a
c(a2) 2) ao=
a 0 = a1
ai
CD1=02
01 = 02
a,=
a-i = a2
a2
Yes
No
Yes
0max=01
Cmax = CD1
a
a = aaii
End
End
NOTE: The Theaccuracy

accuracy of the
the maximum
maximum view view factor
factor (#>„,„)
(df) andandthe
thecorresponding
correspondingflame
flameangle
angle (a)
(a)determined
determined using the the
algorithm in in Figure
Figure B5
B5 depends
depends on
on thethe calculation
calculation error
error (err)
(err) specified
specified for
for flame angle. A calculation error
A calculation error of
of11degree
degree
err = 1)isisusually
(i.e., err=1) usuallyconsidered
consideredtotobe beadequate.
adequate. TheThe initial
initialflame
flameangle
angleincrement
increment(Aao) together with the predefined
(Aab)together predefined
calculation error determines
calculation determines the number
number of iterations that need
of iterations need totobe
beperformed
performed totoachieve
achieve the
theexpected
expected calculation
calculation
accuracy. If the calculation error
accuracy. error is
is limited
limitedtoto11degree,
degree,then
thenthe
theflame
flameangle
angleincrement
increment(Ad)
(Aa)may
maystart
start with
with 10
10degrees
degrees
(A«b=10).
(Aao = 10).
FIGURE
FIGURE B5
B5 FLOW
FLOWDIAGRAM
DIAGRAMFOR
FORDETERMINING
DETERMINING MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM VIEW
VIEW FACTOR
FACTOR
AND THE CORRESPONDING FLAME ANGLE
ANGLE
B10.4 Atmospheric
B10.4 Atmospheric transmissivity
transmissivity
Atmospheric transmissivity
Atmospheric transmissivityisis calculated
calculated using
using an empirical
empirical approach
approach (Ref.
(Ref. 12),
12), which
which
following steps:
involves the following
(a) Calculate path length (L)

(Z) from the following:
following:
(i) L== 0 if0ifd£0.5L

d:5; 0.5Lffcosa
cosa
. or
or
(ii)
(ii) L=
L d - 0.5Lf
= d- 0.5Zf cosa
cosa
www.standards.org.au ©
© Standards
Standards Australia
Australia
111111110111
Wrf.30d0.002.0201
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 92
where
dd =
= distance between the site and classified vegetation (m),
Paragraph B6
determined in Paragraph
Lf
if == flame
flamelength
length (m), determined in Paragraph B7
a = flame angle
= flame (degrees),
angle determined
(degrees), determined in Paragraph
Paragraph BB10.3
10.3
(b) Calculate coefficient(a„)—
Calculate coefficient (an)-
oann == Cln+
Cin + CZnT.
CinT&++C3nTf+
C$nTf +C4nRH
CnnRH .... . B8
. B8
where
T
T8a = (assumes 308
ambient temperature (assumes 308 K)
K)
Tf =
7V flame temperature,
temperature, see
see Paragraph BB10.2
10.2
RH =
RH relative humidity
humidity(assumes
(assumes 25%)
C\n, C2,,,
Cln, Ctn, C 3„ = constants
Can constants defined
defined in
in Table B3
and Con
C4,,
(c) Calculate atmospherictransmissivity
Calculate atmospheric transmissivity(r)
(r)from
from the
the following:
following:
(i) lIff Ll = 0,
0 ,then
t h e nr=
r =1l
or
(ii) If L * 0, then rr==as
a0 ++a1L a2L2 ++a3L3
axL++a2L2 a3L3++a4L4
ar4Z4
where'
where,
L =
= path length (m),
(m), determined
determined in
inParagraph
Paragraph BB10.4(a)
10.4(a)
aB
an = coefficient determined
determined in
in Paragraph
Paragraph B
B10.4(b)
10.4(b)
Bill l STEP
B STEP10-DETERMINE
10—DETERMINETHE
THECATEGORY
CATEGORYOF
OFBUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
The category
The category of bushfire
bushfire attack
attack and
and the
the associated
associated construction
construction requirements shall be
requirements shall be
determined
determined as
as follows:
follows:
(a) The category of bushfire attack
attack shall
shall be
be determined
determined in
in accordance
accordance with Table
Table 3.1.
3.1.
(b) The deemed
The deemed toto satisfy
satisfy construction
construction requirements correspondingtoto the
requirements corresponding the category
category ofof
bushfire attack
bushfire attack determined
determined inin Item (a)
(a) shall be
be determined
determined in accordance
accordance withwith the
the
procedure
procedure shown
shown in Figure 1.1.
1.1.

RIII II 1111
WIT.3000.002.0202
93 AS 3959-2009
3959—2009
TABLE B1
TABLE Bl
VEGETATION
VEGETATION TYPES,
TYPES, FUEL
FUELTYPES,
TYPES, AND
AND
CORRESPONDINGFIRE
CORRESPONDING FIRE BEHAVIOUR
BEHAVIOUR MODELS
MODELS
Fuel types Fire model
model ' behaviour; equation
Fire behaviour,
Forest and
and Woodland McArthur,
McArthur, 1973 and R==0.00
R 12 *FDI
0.0012 *w
*FDI*w
Noble et al, 1980
etal,
Shrub and
and Heath Catchpole et al. 1998
1998 R 0.023 ** vV1.2'
R = 0.023 1 21 * Vh°.54
- * ra054
1312
Tussock moorland
moorland Marsden-Smedley
Marsden-Smedley et R = 0.024*
R 0.024* KV1.3'2* exp(-0.0243*Af f) *
* exp(-0.0243*Mf)
al.1995 (1 - exp(-0.116 * age))
(l-exp(-0.116*age))
LEGEND:
LEGEND:
R = rate
= rate of
ofspread
spread (km/h)
FDI == McArthur
McArthur Fire Danger Index and and is
is dimensionless
dimensionless
w =
= surface
surface fuel load
load (t/ha)
(t/ha)
VH
VH = =average
averageheight
heightofofclassified
classified vegetation (m)
vegetation (m)
V ==average
average wind
windspeed
speed at
at 10 min above ground (km/h)
(km/h)
Mf
M{ = = moisture
moisturefactor
factorused
used for
forTussock
Tussock moorland
moorlandonly
onlyand
andisisdimensionless
dimensionless
age
age ==age
ageofofvegetation
vegetation used
usedfor
forTussock
Tussock moorland
moorland only
only (yrs)
(yrs)
TABLE B2
TABLE B2
VEGETATION
VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION AND
AND FUEL
FUEL LOAD
LOAD
Vegetation
Vegetation
type Surface fuel
Surface Overall fuel Vegetation
classification
classification Fuel type
type
(see
(see load (t/ha)
load load (t/ha) (m)
height (m)
(see Clause
(see Clause 2.2.3)
Figure 2.3)
2.3)
Forests 2,3,5 Forest 25 35
35 -
—
-
.
Woodlands 6,7,9,10,11 Woodlands 15

15 25 —
Closed shrub 12,13 Shrub and heath 25 25 33
Open shrub
Open 16,17,18 Shrub and heath
heath 15
15 15 1.5
Mallee/Mulga
Mallee/Mulga 14,15 Shrub and
and Heath 88 8 33
Rainforest 1,4,8
1,4,8 Forest 10 12 -
—
Tussock moorland
moorland 21,22 Tussock moorland
Tussock 17 17
17 Mf=
M {=55
age = 20 y
TABLE
TABLE B3
B3
CONSTANTS TO
CONSTANTS TO CALCULATE
CALCULATE COEFFICIENT
COEFFICIENT «„
an
nn C i.
Cio cC2o
2D c3n
C3, c4n
C4o
-3 -5
10 -2 .
10_5
0 1.486 -2.003 x 10
-2.003 10-3
4.68 xx 10 -6.052
-6.052 xx10-2
11 1.225 x
1.225 10 -2
x 10-2 10 -5
-5.900 xx10-5 1.66 10 -6
1.66 x 10-6 -1.759 lO-3
-1.759 xx10-3
2 -1.489 10"4
-1.489 xx10-4 10 -7
6.893 xx 10-7 10 -8
-1.922 xx10"8 10"5
2.092 xx 10-5
3 8.381 10 -7
8.381 xx 10-7 10"9
-3.823 xx10-9 1.0511 xxlO -10
10-10 10-77
-1.166 xxlO"
4 10 -9
-1.685 xx10-9 10 -12
7.637 xx10-12 -2.085 10~13
-2.085 xx10-13 10 -10
2.350 xx10-10
2.350

o___
I
o
(Al
WIT.3000.002.0203
(a
WIT.3000.002.0203
AS 3959-2009.
AS 3959—2009 94
94
REFERENCES
11 TOLHURST,
TOLHURST, K.G. K.G. AND HOWLETT,
HOWLETT, K.A. K.A. House Ignition Likelihood
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Land Managers
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2 CHENEY, N.P. Fire
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in `Fire
'Fire and
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Australian Biota'
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GILL, A.M.,
A.M.,
GROVES, R.H. and NOBLE, I.R.), Australia Academy of Science, Canberra: 1981.
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55 KEITH, D.A.,
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expressed as equations. Aust. J. Ecology 5: 1980.
expressed 1980. 201-203 pp.
7 BYRAM, G.M. Combustion
Combustion of Fuels. In: `Forest
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Control and (Ed.
DAVIS, K.P.) McGraw-Hill, New York: 1959.
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8 DRYSDALE, D. D. An Introduction
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to Fire Dynamics (2nd
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9 KNIGHT, I.K. and
and SULLIVAN,
SULLIVAN, A.L.A.L. A Semi-transparent Model of Bushfire
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10
10 VINES, R.G.
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(Ed. GILL, A.M., GROVES, R.H. and NOBLE,
GROVES, R.H. NOBLE, I.R.),
LR.), Australia
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11
11 SULLIVAN, A.L., ELLIS, P.F. AND KNIGHT, I.K. A Review of Radiant
SULLIVAN, A.L., Radiant Heat
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12 FUSS, S.P.
FUSS, S.P. and HAMINS, A. An
and HAMINS, An Estimate
Estimate of the
the Correction
Correction Applied
Applied to
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Radiant
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Measurements Due Attenuation by
by Atmospheric
Atmospheric CO2 H20. Fire Safety
C02 And H2O. Safety
Journal (37):2002. 181-190
181-190 pp.
pp.
13
13 CATCHPOLE, W.R., BRADSTOCK, R.A, CHOATE, J., FOGARTY, L.G.,
GELLIE, N., McCARTHY,
GELLIE,N., G.J, McCAW,
MCCARTHY, G.J, McCAW, W.L., MARSDEN-SMEDLEY,
MARSDEN-SMEDLEY, J.B. J.B. and
and
PEARCE, G. Co-operative
Co-operative Development
Development ofof Equations
Equationsfor
for Heathland
Heathland Fire Behaviour.
Behaviour.
In `Proc.
'Proc. 3rd Int.
Int. Conf.
Conf. Forest
Forest Fire and 14th
Fire Research and Conf. on
14th Conf. on Fire and
and Forest
Forest
Meteorology'. (Ed.
(Ed. VIEGAS,
VIEGAS, D.X.) Luso, 1998. 631-645 pp.
Luso, Coimbra, Portugal: 1998.
14
.14 LUKE, R.H. Hazard
Hazard reduction for the
reduction for the protection
protection of
of buildings
buildings ininbushland
bushland areas.
areas.
NSW Fire Brigades,
NSW Fire Brigades,Sydney:
Sydney:1982.
15
15 MARSDEN-SMEDLEY,J.B.
MARSDEN-SMEDLEY, J.B.and
and CATCHPOLE,
CATCHPOLE,W.R., W.R.,Buttongrass
Buttongrass moorland
moorland Fire
Behaviour Modelling
Behaviour Modelling ininTasmanian
Tasmanian Buttongrass
Buttongrass Moorlands
Moorlands II. Fire Behaviour,
Behaviour,
InternationalJournal
International of Wildland
Journal of WildlandFire:
Fire:1995
1995(4):215-228
(4):215-228 pp.
pp.

1111111111mi 0
WIT.3000.002.0204
95
95 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX
PROCESS AND PROCEDURE
PROCESS AND PROCEDUREFOR
FORDETERMINING
DETERMININGTHE
THE BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
ATTACK
LEVEL (BAL)
(Informative)
Determine Use
Step 11 FDI
FDI Table 2.1
2.1
Clause 2.2.2
Determine
Determine Use
Step 2 vegetation
classification
Table 2.3
Table
Clause 2.2.3
2.2.3
Figure 2.3
2.3
1. Vegetation greater
1. greater than 100
100 m
2. Vegetation less than 1 ha BAL-
B A L - LOW
LOW
Yes 3. Multiple vegetation
vegetation less
less than
than 0.25
0.25 ha
-> 4. Vegetation
ha
Vegetation strips less than 20 m wide
5. Non vegetated areas
6. Low
areas
threat vegetation
Low threat
H No construction
No
requirements
No e.g. managed
managed grassland
grassland
\'_
Determine
distance of site Use
Step 33 Figure 2.1
2.1
from classified vegetation
vegetation
2.2.4
Clause 2.2.4
jk-
Dete rmine
Determine Use
Step 44 effective slope
slope ^ Figure 2.2
2.2
Clause 2.2.5
2.2.5
\l/
Deter mine
Determine Use vi Tables
Step 5
Step Bushfire Attack Level
Bushfire Level
Clause 2.2.6
2.2.6 ^ 2.4.1 to
to 2.4.5
2.4.5
Fin ish
Finish Proceed .
Step 66 ^ Section 33
Clause 2.2.7
Clause tto
o
FIGURE Cl
FIGURE C1DETERMINATION
DETERMINATIONOF
OFTHE
THEBUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
ATTACK LEVEL (BAL)-METHOD 11
LEVEL (BAL)—METHOD

WIT.3000.002.0205
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AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 96
APPENDIX
APPENDIX D
ILLUSTRATIONS
(Normative)
(Normative) .,
The following illustrations

illustrations (Figures
(Figures Dl
D 1 to D4) support
to D4) support requirements of this Standard:
Standard:

111111111111
WIT.3000.002.0206
97
97 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
Main roof cover

Main
Veranda, carport
Veranda, carport or
awning roof forming
awning
part of the
the main
main
roof
(a) Continuous roof

(a) Continuous
Main roof cover

cover
Veranda, carport or
Veranda, carport
awning
awning roof separated
separated
from the
from the main roof by
main roof
an external wall
wall
(b) Continuous
Continuous roof with veranda, carport or
or awning
awning roof
roof separated
separated from main
main roof
roof
Main roof cover

cover
External wall
Veranda, carport
Veranda, carport or
awning
awning roof separated
separated
from the main roof by
main roof
an external wall
wall
(c) Discontinuous
(c) Discontinuous roof
FIGURE D1
FIGURE D1 VERANDA,
VERANDA,CARPORT
CARPORTOR
ORAWNING
AWNINGROOFS
ROOFSSHOWING
SHOWING
AND DISCONTINUOUS
CONTINUOUS AND DISCONTINUOUS ROOF
ROOF TYPES
TYPES

I
WIT.3000.002.0207
WIT.3000.002.0207
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 98
98
Glazed element
Glazed element -
window
window or door
door
Inside
300 mm
R 300
300 mm
mm
^
S^ Decking material
material
S
^r Decking less
300 mm
mm
No requirements
No from glazed element
element
for decking material
material (measured
(measured horizontally
at the
the deck
deck level)
level)
(a) Plan view

(a)
Glazed element
Glazed
window or door
door
F--- _j
1
400 mm
Decking less
400 mm
mm
from glazed element
element
(measured vertically
M N N M from the surface
the deck)
surface of
(b) Elevation view

(b)
MILLIMETRES
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
FIGURE
FIGURE D2
D2DECKING
DECKINGWITHIN
WITHINHORIZONTAL
HORIZONTALAND
ANDVERTICAL
VERTICALLIMITS
LIMITSOF
OFGLAZED
GLAZED
ELEMENTS

1111111111111
Wrr.3000.002.0208
WIT.3000.002.0208
99 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009
Construction requirements
requirements
for external walls or external
glazing or external door
glazing
joinery within 400mm
400mm proximity
to the ground.
ground.
400 mm
Ground level \
wmm
requirements
for external walls or external
external
glazing or external door
joinery within 400mm
400mm proximity
proximity
to the deck.
deck.
*<w< m& a mmmmm
110 mm
requirements
for external walls within
within
400mm proximity to
carport/veranda/awning roof.
roof.
DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
MILLIMETRES
FIGURE D3
D3 EXTERNAL
EXTERNALWALLS
WALLSOR
OREXTERNAL
EXTERNALGLAZING,
GLAZING,OR
OREXTERNAL
EXTERNAL
LIMITS ABOVE
DOORFRAMES WITHIN LIMITS ABOVE GROUND,
GROUND, DECKS,
DECKS, CARPORT
CARPORT ROOFS
ROOFS

o___
I!
liumil
ill 209
WIT.3000.002.0209
La
-1
W
AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 100
100
Nylon brush requirement

for Roller doors
Lower portion
Lower portion of the
garage door within
garage door
400 mm of the ground
ground
when closed
when
Weather strip, draught

Weather strip,
excluder, draught
excluder, draught seals
as appropriate
appropriate to door
door
type and
and operation
operation
FIGURE
FIGURE D4
D4 VEHICLE
VEHICLEACCESS
ACCESSDOORS
DOORS (GARAGE
(GARAGE DOORS)
DOORS)

III
WIT.3000.002.0210
WJT.3000.002.0210
101
101 AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
APPENDIX
APPENDIX E
TIMBER SPECIES AND DENSITIES
SPECIES AND DENSITIES
(Normative)
El GENERAL
GENERALCONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
Timber with
with aa density
density of
of750 kg/m3 or
750 kg/m3 or greater at a 12
greater at percent moisture content is suitable
12 percent suitable
for construction where
where specified Sections 5, 6 and 7. Examples of suitable timber species
specified in Sections
are listed in Table
Table El.
Densities of timber species not listed in Table El may
may be
be found
found in AS 1720.2.
1720.2.
Many of the timber species listed in Table
species listed Table El from
from various regions of Australia
Australia may not be
available in
in all
allareas.
areas.
TABLE
TABLE El
El
SPECIES WITH A DENSITIY OF
TIMBER SPECIES
TIMBER
3
750 kg/m
kg/m3 OR GREATER
OR GREATER
Standard trade
trade name
name Botanical name
Botanical name
Ash, Crow's Flindersia australis
Ash, silvertop Eucalyptus sieberi
Balau (selangan bate)
batu) spp.
Shorea spp.
Bangkirai Shorea laevifolia
Belian Eusideroxylon zwageri
Blackbutt Eucalyptus pilularis
Blackbutt, New England Eucalyptus andrewsii
Box, brush Lophosteman
Lophosteman confertus
Box, grey Eucalyptus microcarpa
Eucalyptus microcarpa
Box, grey, coast Eucalyptus bosistoana
Box, white-topped Eucalyptus quadrangulata
Box, yellow Eucalyptus melliodora
Brownbarrel Eucalyptus fastigata
Candlebark Eucalyptus rubida
Gum, blue, southern Eucalyptus globulus
Gum, blue, Sydney Eucalyptus saligna
Gum, grey Eucalyptus propinqua
mountain
Gum, grey, mountain Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
Gum Maiden's Eucalyptus maidenii
Gum, manna Eucalyptus viminalis
Gum, red, forest Eucalyptus teteticornis
Gum, red, river Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Gum, rose Eucalyptus grandis
(continued)
www.standards.org,au
WIT.3000.002.0211
wrr.3ooo.oo2.02ii
AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009 102
102
TABLE
TABLE El
El(continued)
{continued)
Standard trade name
Standard name Botanical
Botanical name
name
spotted
Gum, spotted Corymbia maculata
maculata
Corymbia henryi
Corymbia citriodora
Corymbia
sugar
Gum, sugar Eucalyptus cladocalyx
cladocalyx
Hardwood, Johnstone
Johnstone River Backhousia
Backh.ousia bancroftii
Ironbark, grey Eucalyptus paniculata
Ironbark, red
red Eucalyptus sideroxylon
Eucalyptus
Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata
Kapur Dryobalanops spp.
spp.
Karri Eucalyptus diversicolor
Eucalyptus diversicolor
Kempas Koompassia malaccensis
Koompassia
Keruing Dipterocarpus spp.
Kwila (Merbau)
Kwila (Merbau) Intsia bijuga
Mahogany red Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus resinifera
Mahogany, southern
southern Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus botryoides
Mahogany, white
Mahogany, white Eucalyptus acmenoides
acmenoides
Messmate Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus obliqua
Messmate,
Messmate, Gympie Eucalyptus cloeziana
Northern Box
Box (Pelawan)
(Pelawan) Tristaniopsis spp.
spp.
Oak,
Oak, American Quercus spp.
narrow-leaved
Peppermint, narrow-leaved Eucalyptus australiana
australiana
Satinay Syncarpiahillii
Syncarpia hillii
Stringybark, Blackdown
Stringybark, sphaerocarpa
Eucalyptus sphaerocarpa
blue-leaved
Stringybark, blue-leaved Eucalyptus agglomerata
agglomerata
brown
Stringybark, brown Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus baxteti
baxtefi
silvertop
Stringybark, silvertop Eucalyptus laevopinea
laevopinea
Stringybark, white Eucalyptus eugenioides
eugenioides
Stringybark,
Stringybark, yellow Eucalyptus muellerana
Tallowwood Eucalyptus microcorys
Eucalyptus
Turpentine Syncarpia
Syncarpia glomulifera
Wollybutt Eucalyptus longifolia
Eucalyptus longifolia
E2 WINDOWS
E2 WINDOWSAND
AND DOORS
DOORS
Timber species with a density of
species with of 650 kg/m3 or greater
650 kg/m3 greater at a 1212 percent moisture content
percent moisture content is
suitable for window
suitable window joinery
joineryand
anddoorframes
doorframes where
where specified
specified ininSections
Sections55and
and6.6.Examples
Examples
of suitable
of suitable timber
timberspecies
species are listed in
in Table
Table E2.
E2.
Densities of timber
timber species
species not listed in
in Table
Table E2
E2 may
may be found
found in AS
AS 1720.2.
1720.2.
Many ofof the
the timber
timber species listed in Table E2 from various regions of Australia
species listed Australia may
may not
not be
be
available inin all
allareas.
areas.

WIT.3000.002.0212
103 AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
TABLE
TABLE E2
E2
SPECIES WITH A DENSITY
TIMBER SPECIES
SOME TIMBER
kg/m3 OR GREATER
OF 650 kg/rn3
Standard trade
trade name
name Botanical name
name
Ash, alpine Eucalyptus delegatensis
Crow's
Ash, Crow's Flindersia australis
Ash, mountain Eucalyptus regnans
silvertop
Balau (selangan batu) Shorea spp.
Shores spp.
Bangkirai Shorea laevifolia
Beech, myrtle Nothofagus
Nothofagus cunninghamii
Belian Eusideroxylon zwageri
Blackbutt, New England Eucalyptus andrewsii
Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon
Box, brush confertus
Lophosteman confertus
Box, grey Eucalyptus microcarpa
Eucalyptus microcarpa
Box, grey, coast Eucalyptus bosistoana
Box, white-topped Eucalyptus quadrangulata
Box, yellow Eucalyptus melliodora
Brownbarrel Eucalyptus fastigata
Candlebark Eucalyptus rubida
Cypress, white Callitris glaucophylla
Gum, blue, southern Eucalyptus globulus
Gum, blue, Sydney Eucalyptus saligna
Gum, grey Eucalyptus propinqua
Gum, grey, mountain
Gum, Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
Gum Maiden's Eucalyptus maidenii
Gum, manna Eucalyptus viminalis
Gum, mountain Eucalyptus dalrympleana
Gum, red, forest Eucalyptus teteticornis
Gum, rose Eucalyptus grandis
Gum, shinning Eucalyptus nitens
Corymbia henryi
Corymbia citriodora
Gum, sugar Eucalyptus cladocalyx
Hardwood, Johnstone River bancroftii
Backhousia bancroftii
Ironbark, grey Eucalyptus paniculata
Ironbark, red Eucalyptus sideroxylon
(continued)
(continued)
Www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

WIT . 3000.002.0213
3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 104
TABLE E2
TABLE E2 (continued)
{continued)
Standard trade
trade name
name Botanical name
name
Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata
marginata
Kapur Dryobalanops spp.
spp.
Karri Eucalyptus diversicolor
Kempas Koompassia
Koompassia malaccensis
malaccensis
Keruing Dipterocarpus
Dipterocarpus spp.
spp.
Kwila
Kwila (Merbau)
(Merbau) Intsia bijuga
Mahogany,
Mahogany, Philippine red, dark spp.
Shorea spp.
Mahogany red Eucalyptus resinifera

Eucalyptus
Mahogany, southern Eucalyptus botryoides
Mahogany,
Mahogany, white Eucalyptus acmenoides
acmenoides
Messmate - Eucalyptus obliqua
Eucalyptus
Gympie
Messmate, Gympie Eucalyptus cloeziana
Northern Box (Pelawan)
(Pelawan) Tristaniopsis
Tristaniopsis spp.
spp.
American
Oak, American spp.
Quercus spp.
Peppermint,
Peppermint, narrow-leaved Eucalyptus australiana
austral iana
Pine, celery-top Phyllocladus asplenifolius
asplenifolius
Pine, slash Pinus elliottii
Pinus elliottii
Ramin ' Gonystylus spp.
Gonystylus spp.
Rosewood, New Guinea

Rosewood, Guinea Pterocarpus indicus
Pterocarpus
Satinay Syncarpia hillii
Syncarpia hillii
Stringybark, Blackdown Eucalyptus sphaerocarpa
sphaerocarpa
Stringybark, blue-leaved
blue-leaved Eucalyptus agglomerata
agglomerata
Stringybark,
Stringybark, brown Eucalyptus baxteri
baxteri
Stringybark, silvertop Eucalyptus laevopinea
laevopinea
Stringybark, white
Stringybark, Eucalyptus eugenioides
eugenioides
Stringybark,
Stringybark, yellow Eucalyptus muellerana
muellerana
Tallowwood Eucalyptus microcorys
Taun Pometia
Pometia pinnata
Turpentine Syncarpia
Syncarpia glomulifera
Vitex, New Guinea
Guinea Vitex cofassus
Vitex cofassus
Wollybutt Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus longifolia

I
WIT.3000.002.0214
105 AS 3959—2009
AS 3959-2009
APPENDIX F
APPENDIX
BUSHFIRE-RESISTING TIMBER
BUSHFIRE-RESISTING
(Normative)
F1
F l GENERAL
GENERAL
timberisistimber
Bushfire-resisting timber timberthat
thatisisdeemed
deemedtotobe
beacceptable
acceptable to
to withstand
withstand exposure
exposure up
up
to a BAL-29
BAL—29condition.
condition.
Timber may
may be `bushfire-resisting' by
be 'bushfire-resisting' bymeans
meansofofone
oneorormore
moreof—
of-
(a) the inherent properties of the material itself;
itself;
(b) being impregnated
impregnated with fire-retardant
fire-retardant chemicals; or
(c) the application of fire-retardant
fire-retardant coatings or substrates.
substrates.
F2 TESTING
F2 TESTING
The following apply:
(a) To
To satisfy
satisfy the requirements
requirements for bushfire-resisting timber, timber
bushfire-resisting timber, timber shall be,
be tested
tested in
in
accordance with AS/NZS 3837 and shall meet the following criteria:
criteria:
(i) The maximum heat release rate shall be not greater than 100 kW/m2.
100 kW/m2.
(ii) The average heat release rate for 10
10 min following
following ignition shall be not greater
ignition shall greater
than
than 60 kW/m2 when
60 kW/m2 the material is exposed
when the to an
exposed to an irradiance
irradiance level
level of
kW/m2.
25 kW/m2.
(b) Where the
Where the timber
timber has been
been altered
altered by
by chemicals, the test samples shall be subjected
samples shall subjected to
the regime of accelerated weathering described in Paragraph
weathering described F3 except
Paragraph F3 except that
that where
where the
timber
timber is protected from
from the weather,
weather, as
as described
described in
in AS
AS 1684.2
1684.2 and
and AS
AS 1684.3
1684.3 (for
(for
example, cladding
example, cladding protected
protected by
by a veranda), accelerated weathering of the test samples
accelerated weathering samples
not required
is not required before being tested to AS/NZS 3837.
External timbers are deemed
External timbers deemed toto be
be protected
protected if they are covered
covered by a roof projection
projection
(or similar) at 30 degrees
similar) at degrees or
or greater
greater to
to the
the vertical
vertical and
and they
they are well detailed
detailed and
maintained (painted or stained
maintained and kept
stained and kept well ventilated).
NOTE: The purpose of testing is to assess timber performance
to assess performance rather than to simulate a bushfire.
The irradiance level set for the test is not to be considered to
to be
be correlated
correlated to the level
level BAL.
BAL.
F3
F3 ACCELERATED
ACCELERATEDWEATHERING
WEATHERING
Where
Where accelerated weathering is
accelerated weathering is required
required before
before testing to
to AS/NZS
AS/NZS 3837,
3837, external
external fire-
fire-
retardant-coated substrates shall
retardant-coated substrates shall be subjected
subjected to
to the
theASTM
ASTMD2898
D2898 Method
Method BB weathering
weathering
regime, with the
regime, with the water
water flow
flow rate
rate modified to be the
modified to the same
same as that within
as that within ASTM
ASTM D2898
D2898
Method A.
www.standards.org.au @ Standards Australia

WIT.3000.002.0215
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AS 3959—2009
3959-2009 106
F4 TESTED
F4 TESTED SPECIES
SPECIES
species have been tested
The following species
The tested and have met
met the
the requirements of Paragraph
Paragraph F2
above:
above: `
Standard trade
trade name
name Botanical name
name
camaldulensis
Corymbia henryi
Corymbia citriodora
red
.Ironbark, red Eucalyptus sideroxylon
sideroxylon
Kwila (Merbau)
(Merbau) Intsia bijuga
bijuga
Turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera
glomulifera

WIT.3000.002.0216
107
107 AS 3959—2009
3959-2009
APPENDIX
APPENDIX G
G
EXPLANATION
EXPLANATION OF BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVELS (BALs)
(BALs)
(Informative)
G1 GENERAL
Gl GENERAL
To determine the construction
determine the construction requirements
requirements for
for aa building
building site, the
the threat
threat or
or risk of bushfire
bushfire
attack needs
attack needs to
tobe
beassessed.
assessed.
G2 1999
1999and
and 2009
2009 EDITIONS OF AS 3959
3959
The 1999
1999 edition of AS 3959 provided four levels
levels of
of risk:
risk: Low,
Low, Medium,
Medium, High,
High, Extreme.
Extreme.
This Standardprovides
This Standard providessix
sixlevels
levelsofofrisk:
risk: BAL-LOW,BAL—12.5,
BAL—LOW, BAL-12.5,BAL—19,
BAL-19, BAL—29,
BAL-29,
BAL-40,
BAL—40, BAL-FZ.
BAL—FZ.
BAL system
The BAL system of levels (see Paragraph G4) is based on the potential exposure of the site site
to heat
heat flux
flux exposure
exposure thresholds,
.thresholds, expressed
expressed as kW/m2 (see
as kW/m2 (see Table Gl).
G1). Because the site
Because the site
assessment methodology
methodology has has changed,
changed, it is
is NOT
NOT appropriate
appropriate to compare
compare the
the construction
construction
from a level in the 1999 edition with those of a level in this Edition.
requirements from
G3 RADIANT
G3 RADIANT HEAT
HEAT THRESHOLDS OF PAIN AND IGNITION
In aa bushfire,
bushfire, radiant
radiant heat
heat levels
levels may
may be
be unsafe
unsafe for
for humans
humans and
and could
could also
also ignite
ignite
combustible materialsinin the
the vicinity.
vicinity. Table
Table GlGI provides an indication
provides an indication ofof the potential
potential
effects of radiant
effects heat levels
radiant heat levels onon both
both humans and selected
humans and materials to
selected materials to assist
assist the
the reader
reader in
in
understanding
understanding the implications
implications of the
the different
different BALs.
TABLE G1
Gl
TYPICAL RADIANT HEAT INTENSITIES
FOR VARIOUS PHENOMENA
PHENOMENA
Phenomena kW/m22
kW/m
Pain to humans
humans after
after 10 s to
to 20 s 4
Pain to humans after 33 ss 10
Ignition of cotton fabric after aa long
long time
time (piloted)
(piloted) (see
(see Note
Note 2)
2) 13
13
Ignition of timber after 13 (piloted)

after a long time 13 (piloted) (see
(see-Note 2)
Note 2) 13
13
after aa long
Ignition of cotton fabric after longtime
time(non-piloted)
(non-piloted) 25
25
(see-Note 3)
long time
Ignition of timber after a long time (non-piloted)
(non-piloted) (see
(see Note
Note 3)
3) 25
25
Ignition of gaberdine fabric after
after aa long
long time
time (non-piloted)
(non-piloted) 27
(see Note
Note 3)
Ignition of black drill fabric after a long time (non-piloted) 38
(see Note
Note 3)
Ignition of cotton fabric after 55 ss (non-piloted)
(non-piloted) (see
(seeNote
Note 3)
3) 42
Ignition of timber in 20 s (non-piloted) (see
(see Note
Note 3)
3) 45
Ignition of timber in 10 s (non-piloted) (see
(see Note
Note 3)
3) 55
NOTES:
1 Source
1 AS 1530.4—2005.
Source AS 1530.4-2005.
2 Introduction of a small flame to initiate
Introduction initiate ignition.
ignition.
33 Flame not introduced to initiate ignition.

1 11 f 11 i1I
WIT.3000.002.0217
wrr.30oo.oo2.o2
AS 3959-2009
AS 3959—2009 108
G4 BUSHFIRE
BUSHFIRE ATTACK
ATTACK LEVELS
LEVELS(BALs)
(BALs)EXPLAINED
EXPLAINED
The 2009
The 2009 edition
edition of AS
AS 3959
3959 (this
(this Standard) explains Bushfire
Standard) explains Bushfire Attach
Attach Levels
Levels (BALs) as
as
follows:
(a) BAL-LOW
BAL—LOW The risk
The risk is
is considered
consideredtotobebe VERY
VERY LOW.
LOW.
There
There is insufficient risk
risk to
towarrant
warrantany
any specific
requirements but there
is still
still some
some risk.
(b) BAL-12.5
BAL—12.5 The risk
The risk is
is considered
consideredtotobe
be LOW.
There is a risk of
of ember
ember attack.
attack.
The construction elements
elements are expected
expected to be
be exposed
exposedto
to aa heat
heat flux greater than
flux not greater
2
12.5 kW/m
kW/m2. .
(c) BAL-19
BAL—19 The risk
The risk is
is considered
consideredtotobebe MODERATE.
MODERATE.
There is a risk ofof ember
ember attack
attack and
and burning debris
debris ignited
ignited by
by wind
windborne
borneembers
embers and
and
a likelihood
likelihood ofofexposure
exposure to
to radiant
radiant heat.
heat.
elements are expected to be exposed to a heat flux
The construction elements flux not
not greater
greater than
than
2
19kW/m
19 kW/m2..
(d) BAL-29
BAL—29 The risk
risk is
is considered
consideredtotobe
be HIGH.
increased risk
There is an increased risk of ember attack and burning debris ignited
ignited by
by windborne
windborne
likelihood of exposure to an increased
embers and a likelihood increased level of radiant heat.
The construction elements are expected
construction elements expected to be exposed
exposed to a heat flux not greater
greater than
2
29 kW/m2.
kW/m .
(e) BAL-40
BAL—40 The risk
The risk is
is considered
consideredtotobe
be VERY HIGH.
HIGH.
There
There is aa much
much increased
increased risk
risk of
of ember
ember attack
attack and
and burning
burning debris
debris ignited
ignited by
by
windborne
windborne embers, a likelihood of exposure to a high level of radiant heat
heat and
and some
some
likelihood of direct exposure to flames
likelihood flames from
from the fire front.
front.
The construction
construction elements
elements are expected
expected to be exposed
exposed to a heat flux not greater
greater than
than
kW/m2.
40 kW/m2.
(f) BAL-FZ
BAL—FZ The risk
risk is
is considered
consideredtotobe
be EXTREME.
EXTREME.
There is
There is an
an extremely high risk of
extremely high of ember
ember attack
attack and
and burning
burning debris
debris ignited
ignited by
windborne embers,
windborne embers, and
and aa likelihood
likelihood of
of exposure
exposure to to an
an extreme
extreme level
level of
of radiant
radiant heat
heat
and direct exposure to flames
flames from
from the fire front.
front.
The construction
The construction elements
elementsare
are expected
expectedtotobe
be exposed
exposedtoto aa heat
heat flux
flux greater than
greater than
kW/m2.
40 kW/m2.

1P1111111111111 u
WIT.3000.002.0218
wrr.3000.002.02
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Construction of buildings in bushfire-

Issues for future editions and amendments

(i) Royal Commission-Standards Australia, with

Normative and Informative

SECTION 2,2 DETERMINING THE BUSHFIRE

5.2 SUBFLOOR SUPPORTS

PENETRATIONS, EAVES, FASCIAS, GABLES, GUTTERS GUTTERS AND AND

8.8 WATER ANDGAS

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1.5.9 Effective slope

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The canopy, being the tallest stratum of the vegetation profile.

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Determine ifif the

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(d) Strips vegetation less than 20 m in width

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(f) Low threat

2.2.5 Step 4-Effective slope of

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Effective 'slope' refers

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TALL CLOSEO FOREST 16 CLOSED FOREST 17 LOW CLOSED FOREST 16

FIGURE 2.3 CLASSIFICATION

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r if t -4.M * Kiir frr" i i r*

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LOW SHRUBLAND C-12

TALL SHRUBLAND E-15

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0.5 0.5 T] V*lW'y^Lti'

DENSE SOWN PASTURE G-25

Surface fuel/overall fuel

Flame temperature T K 1090

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E. Mallee/Mulga <9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<29 29-<100

E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<9 9-<13 13-<20 20-<l00

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

E. Mallee/Mulga <8 8-<11

C. Shrubland <15 15-<21 21-<31 31-<43 43-<100

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E. Mallee/Mulga <6 6-<8 8-<12 12-<17 17-<100

D. Scrub <8 8-<ll

E. Mallee/Mulga <7 7-<10 10-<15 15-<23 23-<100

E. Mallee/Mulga <8 8-<11

The BALs andand the

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(ii) Windows-by FRL /60%

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(b) A wall that extends

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